Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

More than a year ago the Tánaiste said that Government Departments were identifying what were called "information obligations" dealing with the requirements of regulatory reform, with particular reference to areas that were causing the biggest burden for business. She said this included all areas of regulation, including taxation, health and safety, statistics and employment and company law. She went on to say that work was well advanced in measuring obligations in company law, employment and health and safety law. She said that simplification plans would follow on foot of this important work.

An employer told me a few days ago that he was charged €150 when somebody called from the Health and Safety Authority to explain to one of his workers how to get down from a dumper. The worker had been driving dumpers for 20 years. While these matters are important, it appears that the simplification plans are not yet in place. What is the status of the simplification plans commitment given by the Tánaiste? Have these plans been designed or will they be published? Does the Government intend to introduce a standard cost model to assess properly the impact of regulation on small business? This is important for the retention of employees and the potential to recruit new employees. What is the status of the simplification plans mentioned by the Tánaiste in respect of company, employment and health and safety law, and is it intended to introduce a standard model for the regulation of small business?

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