The Central Bank is being asked to take on a new function and area of responsibility. It is being asked to protect the interests of consumers, despite the fact that this area has been almost alien to it in the context of its prudential responsibilities. Such a role is alien to it, given that it has acknowledged that its core responsibilities lie elsewhere. It has been argued vehemently and cogently in the Dáil that the two areas do not sit easily together and I share this opinion. In such a competing situation which interest will take precedence? I suspect that the Central Bank's regulatory role will inevitably win the day. The two interests are poles apart – they are diametrically opposed – and driven by two imperatives.