Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 88: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans he has to create one single national regulator; if such a regulator would be beneficial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6211/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am concerned to ensure that our national system of regulation encourages and promotes competition within the economy and that individual regulators recognise such objectives as an important national priority. Indeed, in this regard I am aware that the Competition Authority has already co-operation agreements in place with many of the existing sectoral regulators.

There is a danger that the scope of a single regulator would be too broad and that as a consequence speedy decision making would be hampered. Furthermore, the trend internationally is away from the concept of a consolidated regulator towards a sectoral approach.

I have no plans to establish a single national regulator and as none of the existing regulators come within my remit as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, this is not a matter for which I have any direct responsibility.