Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Will the Taoiseach comment on the role of Dáil committees examining the range of quangos of which there appears to be a great number? I accept that regulation is necessary and that it should be as light as possible, but it must be effective. In recent years, the House has passed 50 pieces of labour legislation. There is scope for consolidation of the Employment Acts and Companies Acts to make it easier for employees and employers to know their rights and responsibilities.

There are 80 tax return deadlines each year for various headings such as PRSI, PAYE, VAT and corporation tax. That system should be made easier for small businesses because it represents an enormous burden. The relevant Acts could be amended to facilitate the collection of statistics supplied to the CSO, the Revenue Commissioners, Enterprise Ireland and local county enterprise boards. The same importing and exporting information is required by service providers as by Government authorities, which places a burden on businesses. Using the best technology, traders could submit relevant data once through a single electronic entry point. Such methods would make it easier to transact business as well as giving us an extra advantage by promoting the perception of being able to do business fairly, efficiently and professionally. These matters should be examined as part of a public service reform programme to make an impact on the implementation of regulatory regimes.

When one brings in the OECD to look at public service reform, particularly in the health sector, is that not an admission that we have failed to do the business? We have a very bloated public service in some areas, which is full of quangos but could be streamlined. It will require serious action by Government to give taxpayers the return in terms of efficiency and professionalism which they deserve.

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