Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)

I want to speak about the SME test that was introduced by the Government as part of a series of measures in May 2024. This is a no-brainer because it means that any major new measure from the Government will be assessed for its impact on small businesses through an enhanced SME test. In all cases, they must include a completed SME test or provide an explanation as to why it is considered to not be required. It is important that policy makers employ the principle of "think small first" and consider how the measure will impact business. Ireland's SME test comprises a four-step process: consultation, identification, impact and mitigation. If ever this test was needed, it is at this stage when the personal injury guidelines look likely to come before us with an increase of 16.7%. On 5 March 2024, the personal injury guidelines committee of the Judicial Council submitted the outcome of its review of the personal injury guidelines to the board of the council. This means that businesses will all pay the price, as it will be passed on to policy holders. I have brought this up many times in the Upper House. Only a week ago, my colleagues and I brought a motion to this House on insurance. All of us, bar one Senator, stated that the increase in the personal injury guidelines were excessive. We cannot allow this to go ahead without performing the SME test. We brought in the SME test for businesses to allow us to consider impacts on businesses when policy and legislation is before us. I call on the Minister for enterprise to enact the SME test on the personal injury guidelines before any decision is made to implement them. I would welcome a debate with the Minister on this.