Seanad debates
Thursday, 27 March 2003
Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2002: Second Stage.
The most contentious issue in the Bill is whether the proposed structure for financial regulation is the best route to take. Is the Central Bank the right body to look after the interests of the customers of firms operating in the financial services sector? I have experience of the Central Bank. I am probably one of the few Members who has visited the mint at Sandyford and the Central Bank itself. I did this prior to the euro changeover, when I was a member of a group in Europe which represents retailers. The group was concerned because, as a result of the flexibility of the process, the regulations introduced by the 12 participating nations were different. It wanted to ensure that certain steps would be taken to ensure that the central banks in each country would introduce the euro in a way that would make the changeover work. I was favourably impressed on that visit. The representatives of the Central Bank were receptive and understanding and my Dutch colleague, who was acting on behalf of the retailers, was impressed with its customer-driven approach. The fact that the changeover went so well is evidence of that.
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