Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Taoiseach his plans for the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the review of the operation of regulatory impact analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48011/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the independent Review of the Operation of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) was published in July 2008 and is available on the Better Regulation website. The report indicates that, overall, good progress has been made in relation to the implementation of Regulatory Impact Analysis across Departments, with some 74 produced in the period between June 2005 and February 2008. The Government has agreed to implement the recommendations contained in the report which concern the RIA model itself, its use by Departments and its management across Government.

The Better Regulation Unit of my Department is working closely with the interdepartmental RIA Network, which it chairs, to implement certain recommendations arising from the report including the preparation of revised RIA guidelines and training materials. It is expected that the revised guidelines and training will be available shortly. The Unit have already made a number of presentations to officials outlining the changes to the RIA system resulting from the Review. In addition, the Unit is also working closely with the RIA Network to improve arrangements for the publication of legislation and related RIAs on Departmental websites. Of course, while the RIA Network provides a useful focal point for Departments to learn from each other in terms of RIA best practice, a number of recommendations which are contained in the report are ultimately for Departments themselves to implement.