Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 12, between lines 1 and 2, to insert the following:

"(9) Within one year of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the

Agency shall publish an assessment of the performance of the Commission in

protecting consumer interests through its regulations, orders, codes of practice and

other activities.".

I thank the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan, for his contribution and welcome the Minister for Defence, Deputy Killeen. It has been acknowledged in discussions we have had on the banking industry in recent years that there has been an omission in that the interests of consumers were not adequately represented against the strength of large banking organisations. This amendment seeks to compel the new commission to produce a report, where possible, on the work it will do to advocate for and represent the consumers of banks.