Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I agree that the purpose is at the time of policy formulation and policy making before decisions are taken to be able to assess the likely impact any proposal would have in terms of its efficacy and how it impacts on business and regulation generally. The report or review indicates that, broadly speaking, this is working well. The use of websites is a matter for each Department. The Deputy may be unhappy as to where it appears on the website of my Department but it is on the website. From our point of view, the overriding co-ordination role of my Department means we must try to ensure there is better uniformity of presentation. I take the point made by the Deputy on that matter and I will take the matter up with Departments. This regulatory impact analysis which we have undertaken in 76 cases is working well.

On the question of secondary legislation, the first issue is the vetting of such legislation by our parliamentary committees, particularly the Joint Committee on European Affairs, should in the first instance point up any difficulties that may occur in terms of parliamentary oversight and line Departments have their own responsibilities in that respect also. Where there is primary or secondary legislation of sufficient importance or impact, a regulatory impact analysis should be considered if it is merited.

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