Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Much of what the Taoiseach said is relevant. In 2007, the cost of red tape to Irish business will amount to €6 billion, which is an enormous and restrictive burden that was meant to be simplified following the ratification of the Nice treaty. This was the concept driven through by European leaders but it has not translated into real effect.

The Taoiseach mentioned the better business regulation forum, a body proposed by Fine Gael and the Labour Party, that will be chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. How many times has it met and does it publish its reports?

I note the Taoiseach stated that Departments are strongly encouraged to publish regulatory impact assessments. I agree, but it should be compulsory and also mandatory that they should be published on time. This is an area where the Government has direct impact and influence and these assessments are valuable because they allow policy makers and businesses to see best practice and how it works.

Will the Taoiseach comment on the 2001 report that specifically referred to bottle necks in physical infrastructure, such as housing, transport and environmental services, that are fuelling inflation and constraining future growth? The Taoiseach is well aware the inflation rate in Ireland is more than double that of most of the euro zone. What is the response of Government to the 2001 report?

Will the Taoiseach comment on the reform of the energy market given that permission has been granted for the ESB to build a new power plant in Aghada? What is the impact of regulation of the energy sector?

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