Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator raising this important matter and for her ongoing advocacy and engagement, in a very constructive manner, on a key issue of importance not just to Ireland and Europe but to the wider world.It is extremely important.

The increased focus on burden reduction, or simplification, at EU level is inherently linked to efforts to enhance European and Irish competitiveness in the evolving global trading environment. The Letta and Draghi reports published last year were clear that we must become more innovative, more productive and more competitive. The importance of reform is being pushed strongly by the European Council which last October called for a “simplification revolution” by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. Under this mandate, the Commission has proposed a series of omnibus packages on the simplification of various pieces of legislation. To date five of these packages have been published. These include the omnibus package on sustainability; the omnibus II package on investment simplification; the omnibus III package on Common Agriculture Policy reform; the omnibus IV package on the extension of certain mitigating measures available for SMEs to small mid-cap enterprises; and the omnibus V package facilitating investment in defence capabilities. I have 2 minutes and 45 seconds to address the particular points raised by Senator Stephenson. Together with all member states, Ireland is examining the omnibus proposals in detail. I want to be clear that as a matter of principle, we do not endorse a regression of existing standards. Simplification cannot be a race to the bottom. It has to be about better regulation not deregulation.

With regard the proposed changes to the CSDDD, it is important that we do not lose sight of the objectives of the directive, which aims to promote responsible business conduct. The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Burke, has been very clear that he is supportive in principle of initiatives to simplify reporting requirements and reduce costs on companies, most especially SMEs. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is continuing to assess the implications for business, including SMEs, as the discussions on the omnibus proposal progress at EU level.

Bearing in mind the mandate from the European Council, and taking into account the current environment, we acknowledge the efforts of the Commission in implementing real change for business. I have no hesitation to make it clear that Ireland is keen to play its part not only in shaping the policy around simplification and competitiveness but also in doing so in a holistic manner. We want a more competitive Ireland and a more competitive Europe - we need that - but if we do not base that competition on standards, values and ethos that matter to how we do business, it is a race to the bottom that we are so keen to avoid.

The Senator mentioned meetings that have taken place in recent weeks. Most of these have been done at official level rather than ministerial level so I have not even been in the room. However, I am aware of the discussions to an extent. Ireland has been consistent in its proposal that we support like-minded countries who want to ensure the hard-fought gains of the last few years are not lost. I give the Senator a commitment on the public record that we will absolutely support that the efforts of the CSDDD on the four key areas she addressed are kept in focus and that we do our part to ensure they are maintained. We are not in the business of backing off from what we have achieved. This Government has been in office for quite some time. We have been involved in the discussion. We have not achieved everything that we want but we will not undermine or lose sight of what has been achieved simply because we are in a slightly difficult situation. I am happy to go into more detail but I think I have addressed the key issues the Senator raised and hopefully given her the reassurance the House requires.