First Minister Peter Robinson has previously said that getting the powers would be a "game changer" for the Northern Ireland economy.

BBC: Boris Johnson

The FM also floated the possibility that the Children's Commissioner could use his powers to carry out an investigation, with Peter Clarke's 'Clywch' inquiry as a precedent.

BBC: History back in the headlines

There was some interesting tactical advice from the Conservative former cabinet minister, Peter Lilley, who suggested Britain should approach rolling back EU powers in the same way as the Commission approached extending them - with salami tactics.

BBC: New thinking on Europe

Former Conservative cabinet minister Peter Lilley pointed out that the independent adviser on ministerial interests did not have evidence-gathering powers.

BBC: Miliband hits out at PM over Hunt's conduct

Peter Black Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales West outlined the advantages of gaining income tax varying powers as it would give the assembly government the responsibility for its' own budget.

BBC: Debate on fairer funding for Wales