Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I accept that. It is reasonable to deal with this matter in that way. It would be helpful if the Minister of State recognised the underlying principle in the point being made by Senators Quinn and McDowell.

As a director of a company, I am affected by this. There should be some voice for directors, who, in many ways, are being made subject to much of the regulatory activity. I strongly support Senator McDowell in acknowledging individual consumers. Now that there are consumer protection bodies, it would be reasonable to suggest that they be included. It is not necessary to make changes in this regard at this stage, but it would be useful if the Minister of State would consider the possibility of making them in the near future. Once one sets up committees, it is quite difficult to change their personnel and their makeup. Things tend to become set in stone and it is often some years before changes are made.