asked the Minister for Finance if there are any plans to introduce legislation establishing a register of commercial interests for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I have no plans to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

Has the Minister given any serious consideration to the matter and, if so, why has he taken this position? Does he not accept that it would enhance the standing of public representatives if such a register existed?

I have already said that I have no plans at present for introducing legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

In view of the fact that a committee of the House examine the affairs of semi-State companies, will the Minister agree that it is important that members of that committee should have a register of their interests, if any?

I have no plans to introduce legislation in that regard and I have no further comment to make.