Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

That deals with the issue and we do not need to develop it further. Clearly it is essential, since the regulatory system is inextricably linked with one of the transactions identified by Deputy Noonan in his contribution. It is essential that aspect of the matter is part of the terms of reference and I do not have any difficulty with that.

Deputy Noonan also asked whether the advice the committee will seek to obtain will delay the operations of the committee. That is a matter for the committee itself. I do not know, but if the advice was provided on a party rather than on a committee wide basis, it might enable the members to proceed without the necessity for procurement. However, that is a matter the committee should examine and not a matter for me. I am not trying to intervene in the business of the committee, but I am sure some way can be found to ensure that the necessary expertise is available to the committee to examine what can be difficult and complex matters.

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