John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The figure is a whole-of-Government estimate. A large number of intergovernmental bodies and Departments are working on this initiative, but my reply referred only to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. It is about the simplification of regulations, but not all of the Departments that are bringing in reductions deal with business.

There are many simplifications that can be introduced to make the methodology and operation of a Department more effective. The burden of inspections on companies and the associated regulatory requirements are very much a hidden cost. We are obliged to reduce that cost. In regard to the simplification process, overall administrative burdens in the areas of company law, employment law and health and safety law have been reduced by more than 23% to date. Details of all of these initiatives are available on the website.

In addition, workshops were held around the country, which were very well attended, in which we discussed how best we can engage with business people. The high level group established by the previous Administration has as its aim to identify burden issues to Government and to follow through on the implementation of corrective measures. As a former Minister, the Deputy will be aware that it is difficult to bring that mind set into Government. The high level group has been effective thus far, with progress being made in regard to the health and safety statement, online taxation returns and so on. It is about finding practical solutions. In regard to enforcement and inspection, there is now increased co-operation with those bodies. Our objective is to reduce inspections of compliant firms and to identify those which are not compliant.

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