Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The benefit of the introduction of regulatory impact analysis is an improvement in the way new regulations are made. Departments and offices will assess the likely impact of new regulations across all legislation in a more structured and consistent way. Wider and more consistent consultation is required before making regulations. Regulations used to be made on the basis of people's beliefs and would not work out in practice. Now, people must consult and this is the benefit of this system. The OECD had advised this.

Consultation must also take place with customers likely to be affected so stakeholders on the other side of implementation of an Act have a voice. A practical examination of an Act takes place and consideration is given to downstream compliance and enforcement consequences of regulations, including monitoring and review mechanisms where appropriate.

The arguments do not have to be accepted but at least a two-way process exists rather than something becoming law without consultation. Those who must engage on different sides have an impact on the process. I accept this is early in the process so we are changing from a culture that did not consult widely in many areas to one that must engage. It will take time before we reap the benefits but it is now happening.

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