Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is difficult to make much of the Taoiseach's reply which has been scripted in such a way as to avoid specifics. In the context of regulatory impact assessments being made before Government decisions are taken, do I understand from the initial part of the reply that this is not quite happening as normal in respect of legislation being brought forward? Is there a requirement to produce regulatory impact assessments in respect of all items of legislation before they are published and prior to the taking of all Government decisions?

The consumer and competition Bill has been delayed on three occasions. Is the Taoiseach in a position to outline the progress made in promoting the interests of consumers in the context of rationalising the position on regulators generally? The rationalisation of regulators has its origins in the many statements made by the Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, when they were in opposition. The Minister, in particular, wanted to rationalise the position to such an extent that there would be a single regulator who would have responsibility for all areas. I do not get the sense that we are moving in that direction. If anything, we are moving towards creating even further regulators. I refer to the Government's proposals to appoint a regulator with responsibility for water services. I would like the Taoiseach to clarify the position on the points I have made.

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