Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I am glad that following a prolonged period between the two Houses that the Bill will be passed. I am also glad the Minister of State reconsidered and accepted my amendments. The Minister of State was not personally opposed to the increase in the audit exemption threshold and I knew his heart was in the right place when I first raised it.

The system of regulation requires review. It is unacceptable that regulators are putting up prices and reducing competition. Do we need so many regulators without accountability to the Oireachtas? The Minister of State has heard that question not just from me. This side of the House does not accept empire-building organisations but rather lower prices for consumers. I thank the Minister of State and his officials for the consideration they gave to the Bill.