Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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279. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on that of an organisation (details supplied) that changes in our regulatory environment are critical to a more competitive business environment; that a well-designed and enforced regulatory environment is a critical feature of a modern, complex economy and can boost growth in living standards; that there are opportunities within constrained fiscal parameters to improve the competitiveness of the Irish economy by making improvements to the ways we regulate, easing the regulatory burden on business and reducing the cost of compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52657/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The recently published Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity – a commitment in the Programme for Government – is a whole-of-government strategic response to the challenges that Ireland is facing. A key focus of the Action Plan is improving Ireland’s regulatory environment under the theme ‘Regulating for Growth and Controlling Costs.’

Measures under this theme include introducing a ‘Red Tape Challenge’ across Government to reduce regulation for SMEs, a public consultation to identify areas of high burden, and all Government Departments will apply the SME test to all measures in particular to policy initiatives where it is proposed to increase costs on small business.

In terms of my own Department, there is an ongoing commitment to ensuring that the regulatory environment is proportionate and fit for purpose. This includes the conduct of Regulatory Impact Analysis and the systematic application of the SME Test which has been designed to invite consideration of less stringent compliance requirements for smaller companies, where appropriate and proportionate.

My Department has also established a Small Business Unit which has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government.

In terms of legislative change, the Companies Act was updated through the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024 which introduced a range of practical reforms consistent with ensuring that Ireland’s regulatory framework provides flexibility and is fit for modern business operating in an increasingly digital and virtual environment.

Work is ongoing to modernise and reform a range of other legislation including the Co-operative Societies Bill and legislation relating to Limited Partnerships and Business Names.

The foregoing complements work ongoing at EU level where there is a particular focus on simplification and burden reduction at EU level with a view to improving EU competitiveness and ensuring there aren’t disproportionate burdens on business, particularly SMEs.

This is being led 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.