Apart from the issue of the exchange of information, the Government was of the view that integration of prudential supervision and consumer protection had certain advantages. First, it provides a one-stop-shop for consumers, business and the financial services industry by having the regulation of insurance, banking and credit unions under the one roof. Second, Ireland is a relatively small country with a limited pool of expertise in the area of financial regulation. The building of a critical mass of skills relating to financial regulation in a single location is of major importance to the country. Third, it places the interests of consumers at the heart of financial services regulation by giving the authorities specific responsibility in this regard.