Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

29. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a report on the cost of business advisory forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33045/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It was my pleasure to convene the inaugural meeting of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum on 11th June 2025. In my opening remarks, I shared my vision and expectations for the Forum: “To create a space where businesses can speak directly to decision-makers about the real-world impact of rules and charges—and identify areas where practical changes can be made.”

The establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on a key commitment in the Programme for Government 2025. The Forum is a sub-group of my Department’s Enterprise Forum and I was pleased to welcome the Chair, Mr. Kevin Foley, and Vice Chair, Mr. Ronan Byrne.

I believe the Forum will present a unique opportunity for tripartite engagement, where Government Departments and State Agencies will hear directly from business owners and representatives, so, I was very encouraged to see a strong turnout and diverse representation from enterprise bodies across retail, tourism, agriculture, small business, and multinational sectors.

The Forum’s purpose is to examine the factors contributing to rising business costs in Ireland, including regulatory and infrastructural challenges that may require a sharper focus or a revised approach. It will also identify practical steps to help reduce these costs. To assist in this review, the Forum will meet in a series of thematic sessions over the coming six months to consider topics such as:

• Regulatory Cost and Simplification
• Planning and Infrastructure
• Technology and Innovation
• Reporting and Compliance Requirements
• Visas and Work Permits
• Utility Costs