Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 9:

In page 12, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:

"(9) Within one year of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Agency shall publish an assessment of the performance of the Commission in protecting consumer interests through its regulations, orders, codes of practice and other activities.".

With regard to the allocation of functions between the commission and the National Consumer Agency, we think it is extremely important that within one year of this Bill's enactment, and each year thereafter, the agency should "publish an assessment of the performance of the commission in protecting consumer interests through its regulations, orders, codes of practice and other activities".

There are two agencies in effect, the commission and the National Consumer Agency, and from an oversight perspective it is critical that we are absolutely certain consumer interests are protected within the commission and the Central Bank. It is a reasonable amendment seeking to protect the interests of consumers, and any assessment of the performance of the commission by an agency with expertise in the area of consumer interests is to be welcomed. I look forward to the Minister supporting the amendment.

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