Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann: - recognises the clarity in the Programme for Government that sets out the importance of SMEs to our economy;

- accepts that given the heightened level of international uncertainty, there is a need to focus on matters within our control which can make the domestic Irish economy more competitive and resilient to economic shocks;

- acknowledges the need to strive to reduce costs, administrative burdens and bureaucracy for businesses;

- endorses the focus at EU level of the new Commission on simplification and administrative burden reduction, including a reduction of administrative burdens by at least 25 percent, and at least 35 percent for SMEs;

- commends the acceleration of the timeline for the publication of a new whole of Government Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity which will cover, amongst other initiatives, reducing the cost and regulatory burden on business;

- supports the setting up of a Small Business Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment;

- welcomes the establishment of a Cost of Business Advisory Forum and its first meeting on 11th June, 2025; and calls on the Government to: - address excessive administrative burdens on enterprises;

- examine how the various regulations, services, offerings and supports can be simplified for stakeholders and unnecessary administrative burdens removed;

- right-size the regulatory environment for SMEs;

- ensure that regulations, schemes, supports and processes are consistent, necessary, proportional, and effective;

- provide predictability and certainty for business with good quality regulation and policy;

- underscore with State Bodies the importance of strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and reducing the regulatory and administrative burden on enterprise; and

- further embed Better Regulation principles.