Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Taoiseach's comment about getting the right balance for effective regulation. Regulation that was too loose caused mayhem that we are now dealing with.

The recent OECD economic survey of Ireland made two points. It indicated that we should move to a single agency to deal with employment and unemployment. This concerns the work of FÁS and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Given the extent of the regulation that exists, is the Taoiseach of the view that this should be done? Clearly, there are cost implications where money may be saved, either by outsourcing training courses or giving them to the VECs, as distinct from the cost of FÁS at the moment.

In its economic report the OECD also recommends the removal of unnecessarily restrictive regulations, strengthening competition policy and changes to planning laws, with particular reference to the legal profession, pharmacies, doctors and pubs, in addition to the network industries. I am sure the Taoiseach has taken note of the report. Perhaps we might get a response at the next Question Time to some of the points it has raised as regards reducing the administrative regulatory burden on business.

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