Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To be fair, the Government has set its face towards reducing regulation. This is reflected in Ireland's improved position in the ease-of-doing-business rankings. We have removed many obstacles. For example, with the assistance of the House we have simplified many aspects of company law. In addition, we have sought to make it easier to do business in many areas. The Deputy drew my attention to an issue relating to a particular directive which is not relevant to my Department but which I am pursing on his behalf with the Department concerned.

This matter is arising on a continual basis. Each regulation introduced is designed to protect a public interest. We must find a way of making it easy to comply with such regulations. The HSA is exemplary in this regard. It has used the BeSMART technique to make it easier for farm businesses and other businesses to comply with their safety obligations, which is extremely important in terms of protecting people. If we can make compliance easier for people, then it is a win-win scenario. In the context of regulation, we are seeking to avoid unnecessary obligations being placed on businesses.

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