Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. This is a serious problem for businesses, as the Minister is aware. I am sure he has received many representations on it over the years. When the Taoiseach launched a Government document, Better Regulation, in 2001, it was claimed that proportionality and necessity would be provided for and regulatory impact assessments would be carried out on all the various matters. Very little was done in that regard over the following years, however.

What evidence do we have that anything will happen as a result of the report that was published yesterday, which represents a damning indictment of the regulatory burden that has been placed on businesses by the Government? If the Minister reads the report's executive summary, he will see evidence of problems in this respect in areas like tax, health and safety, statistical information and the environment. He will find evidence of a duplication of the administrative burden on business. Will the Minister give the House details of the timescale and targets he is prepared to set for the implementation of this report?

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