Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 265 together.

While centrally, the better regulation issue is being driven by the Department of the Taoiseach and the better regulation group, I support any initiative aimed at keeping to a minimum the administrative and regulatory burdens on small business in Ireland. The Taoiseach launched the Government's White Paper on better regulation in January 2004 which sets out Government policies and an action plan for improving the quality of regulation as well as the regulatory process in the coming years. Many of the provisions in the White Paper replicate the approach being taken at EU level and in other member states.

As the primary regulator of business and of the workforce, my Department is well aware of the need for the best possible regulation as well as the continuing need for lighter and more focused laws. In this regard I am anxious to ensure that my Department's activities in reforming existing legislation and introducing new legislation conform with the principles of better regulation as set out in the White Paper. I am also aware of the recent report prepared for the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business which recommended a proactive approach to reducing regulation in the economy and that some consideration should be given to adopting an approach whereby specific targets would be set for reducing regulation within a specified timeframe. My Department is considering its response to this report.

While there is merit in monitoring the better regulation agenda in the Netherlands and in other member states, that is a matter for all Departments to take on board, and the Taoiseach's Department, which convenes the better regulation co-ordinating group, can assist that process across Government and regulatory bodies. My Department will assist that process with a view to reducing regulatory burdens, where possible. The best way forward is through implementing the specific actions set out in the Government White paper. I have instituted a review and regulatory impact analysis of the directors' compliance statement at section 45 of the Companies Act 2003. In addition, my Department is currently engaged in a number of other projects designed to improve the current regulatory environment, including the fundamental restructuring, consolidation and reform of existing company law; the modernisation of consumer legislation, with a view to producing a single modern Act to replace the broad set of legislation currently in force; a new safety, health and welfare at work Bill, which will set a new health and safety legal code for the next ten to 15 years; and the restatement of the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-1993, which will include all amendments to the Unfair Dismissals Acts in an up to date document.

The Government has agreed a programme of action in response to the report and recommendations of the review group on the role and functions of the employment rights bodies, which includes the harmonisation and consolidation of business employment rights legislation.

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