Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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112. To ask the Minister for Finance the plans there are to reduce the number of quangos and strip out the amassed red tape and bureaucracy that exists, in order to allow the delivery of projects under his Department’s remit in a more timely, efficient and customer-friendly manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68373/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As a central Government Department, the Department of Finance works with other Departments, agencies, and industry to provide advice, develop, and implement policies aimed at driving economic growth and maintaining fiscal stability. As such the Department does not have a central role in the delivery of projects.

There are seventeen bodies under the aegis of the Department with a range of mandates, one of which is the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. In relation to Revenue, they regularly consult regarding their administrative guidance, develop administrative simplification measures and apply the ‘think small first’ principle.

In this regard, the Deputy may be aware that a special Tax Administration Liaison Committee (TALC) was established by Revenue in early 2024 with the aim to examine potential opportunities to modernise and simplify access to business reliefs, in particular for SMEs. The sub-committee presented its report in June 2024 and work is ongoing to implement its recommendations.

The Deputy may also be aware that simplification is an area of focus for the EU Commission as part of their work programme.

The Department is engaging with our European colleagues in the area of simplification with the aim of making the EU regulatory system more effective and efficient while maintaining resilience and financial stability.

Finally, I would note that all procurement carried out by the Department of Finance is governed by the key principles of ensuring value for money and in conformity with all relevant EU and national legislation and guidelines.