John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

In answer to the first part of the Deputy's question, a reduction of 25% by 2012 is a target, but there is nothing to say we cannot meet the target prior to that date. I have carried out the assessment and the analysis. I have met the business organisations and I understand clearly what they are saying. They have made their submissions and in line with these we will consider a cost-effective way of delivering a smaller burden from Government. For example, let us consider the range of forms that must be filled in for the Central Statistics Office. I have met officials from the Central Statistics Office and have reviewed its forms. I have engaged with the SFA and tried in turn to translate that in a different simplified way to determine whether it would assist business. I have invited and have met the business organisations in recent months to determine if we can identify other areas that will assist. In line with what Deputy Penrose said county enterprise boards are significant players in this matter as they engage with the SME sector. I have used them as an information base to ascertain what is causing the difficulty for small businesses in particular. Legislation is often passed by this House and the one size does not fit all. We need to take an overview of that in light of the tight economic circumstances we are experiencing. We need to try to release the SME sector to do more important business in the real world to create the jobs and profitability they desire.

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