Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has completed his list of information obligations which their regulations impose on businesses; if so, the obligations involved; if not, when such a list will be finalised; if the most burdensome obligations, the regulations that they impose and the costs on businesses have been identified; if these costs, as they apply to businesses, have been measured; or if this aspect of the project has not been completed, the date by which this will be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34587/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware an initiative to reduce the regulatory burden faced by businesses is contained in the programme for Government 2007-2012. This is a national initiative being co-ordinated by my colleague the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment with his Department as lead Department.

The first phase of the programme involves detailing administrative simplifications already achieved and setting out the legislation under the aegis of all Departments for analysis and measurement of the administrative burdens involved. This phase is already under way in my Department and a senior official has been assigned to oversee our contribution to the project.

It is expected that the identification, prioritisation and measurement process should be completed by all Departments by the end of 2009 and my Department is working towards that deadline.

In common with all Departments, my Department is liaising closely with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to ensure a consistent approach across the whole of Government. I understand that once the measurement exercise is finalised detailed plans will be set out on meeting the national 25% reduction target by the end of 2012.