In engaging with the Competition Authority in this consultation exercise, the Department is mindful of the fact that the Authority, while endorsing the analysis, has not taken a position on the findings of the report of the consultants. It is understood that the Authority intends to issue its own report and its recommendations in mid-2005, after considering the responses to the current consultation exercise. The Department is conscious that the Authority, in reaching its conclusions, will be informed by the views of other interested parties on the consultant's report. In these circumstances, this response should be regarded as containing the Department's preliminary views, which will be reviewed in the light of finalisation of the Authority's own position in relation to the issues raised.

Special Savings Incentive Accounts – 2004 Analysis