John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

One issue with which I am familiar on foot of my experience as Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny pertains to the transposition of European Union laws. I refer to the major impact of the matter that is of greatest concern at present, which is that RIAs that would not breach Cabinet confidentiality are not being circulated. Consequently, the transposition of such directives may pose massive difficulties for small companies with unnecessary red tape and the elimination of possible research and development funding. I believe that a unique opportunity is being missed whereby many of the difficulties that emanate from Europe could be discussed in this Chamber long before they are transposed into law.

Will the Taoiseach make reference to the Small Business Act, in light of the publication by the European Commission of Europe 2020, which is a major document on jobs? The Commission has a huge initiative in respect of the Small Business Act. What is the Government doing in respect of its implementation in Ireland and the support for small companies?

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