Departmental Agencies.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2010

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Ceisteanna (80)

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

141 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the proposed merger of the Competition Authority, the National Consumer Agency and the consumer protection function of the Financial Regulator; if it is necessary to put the merged entity on a statutory footing through the enactment of new or amending legislation; when the merger will be completed and the new entity fully operational; the provisions he will make to ensure the new entity is fully accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas; the annual cost savings envisaged through the merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5338/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The proposed merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

However, as the Deputy may be aware, I intend to initiate legislation to reform the institutional structures for financial regulation early this year and, in this regard, I will bring proposals to Government shortly. Part of the process of reform will involve the transfer of certain statutory functions of the Consumer Director in the Financial Regulator to the National Consumer Agency. These functions relate to the provision of consumer information.