Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his good wishes. I am sure he will help me along my way. On the question of ministerial appointments, the Deputy will have to put down a question to the Taoiseach. All such decisions are his prerogative.

By merging the two bodies in question we can produce a stronger entity, but there is no point in doing so unless the new body has teeth and the ability to implement its remit. I am willing to listen to the Opposition in terms of any amendments it puts forward during the debate on the legislation. It is in all our interests to have an effective code and a body with powers to ensure businesses act within the law and that restrictive practices are removed.

See this speech in context