Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 10, paragraph (g), line 18, after "problems" to insert "and the quality and cost of services to the consumer".

This deals with section 5 which deals with the general functions and powers of the Central Bank. It sets out a list of functions. It states the bank has the following functions: to carry out the efficient and effective co-ordination of the activities of its constituent parts; to promote the development within the State of the financial services industry; where appropriate, to represent and co-ordinate the representation of the bank on international financial bodies and at international meetings relating to financial or economic matters; and to establish and maintain, either directly or indirectly, contact with the monetary authorities.

The paragraph I am seeking to amend is paragraph (g) which provides as follows: "to provide for the collection and study of data that deal with monetary and credit problems and to publish information about that data". I am seeking to insert after the word "problems" the words "and the quality and cost of services to the consumer". It would seem a sensible insertion, not alone would it deal with monetary and credit problems, it would also deal with the quality and the cost of services to the consumer. That marries with what I was talking about – consumer protection, value for money, competition in the sector, etc. The amendment is self-explanatory. I would like to hear the response of the Minister of State.