Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

The issue of consumer protection has reared its head in respect of this legislation. I was involved in a relevant debate. It is an important issue, as there is no doubt that consumer protection is at the heart of the Bill. Nor is there any doubt that the personalities in the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator's office are putting consumer protection at the heart of their actions. Much will depend on those personalities, as we saw to our cost in recent years.

Last night, the Minister for Finance stated that he is consulting the various representative associations and interest groups. I would be keen for him to consult the Consumers Association of Ireland on this legislation and, if possible, to retain the Central Bank's consumer panel in some form. It is included in the legislation in a different form, but perhaps it should be retained in a bid to keep the public's confidence. The public is confident that we are looking after the consumer and doing the right thing.

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