Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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37. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to enhance the business regulatory environment by removing unnecessary regulatory or administrative burdens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62078/25]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The 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 to 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. Work is ongoing to streamline the business supports landscape, including simplifying access to grants and support programmes through the National Enterprise Hub.

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, with a view to improving EU competitiveness and ensuring there aren’t disproportionate burdens on business, particularly SMEs.

The reform agenda is being strongly driven by EU leaders with the European Council calling 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. In June 2025, the European Council called for the avoidance of over-regulation and the introduction of administrative burdens throughout the legislative process. To date, the European Commission has published six simplification Omnibus packages, with others due before end 2025 and into 2026.