Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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288. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether the Cost of Business Advisory Forum established in June 2025 has specifically examined customs compliance costs, parcel export brokerage fees, or international e-commerce administrative burdens as part of its remit; and if so, whether recommendations have been made or are under consideration by Government [13710/26]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on the Programme for Government 2025 commitment regarding supports for Small Business, Enterprise and Industries. The Forum is tripartite collaboration bringing together various representative bodies spanning multiple sectors. The purpose is to jointly consider those issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses in Ireland, any associated regulatory or infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach, and those actions that could be taken to mitigate these issues.

The first meeting of the Forum took place in June 2025 where numerous organisations representing Ireland’s enterprise sector were joined by officials from a variety of state agencies and Government Departments. During the plenary session, a thematic workplan was agreed by the Forum members which included six areas addressing the most pressing issues for businesses in Ireland. As the Forum progressed, a new theme focusing on Banking, Payments, and Financial Services, was added to reflect members’ feedback.

The following thematic topics have been covered over the last 8 months;

• July 2025 focused on Public Utilities: Energy Costs and Security of Supply,
• Professional Services: Insurance Costs meeting in August,
• Regulation and Planning meeting in September,
• November’s meeting focused on Public Utilities: Water Services,
• January 2026, focused on Professional Services: Legal Costs,
• Reporting and Compliance meeting in February.

• Enhanced Reporting Requirements,
• Revenue compliance,
• Penalties for administrative errors,
• Waste Management regulations, and
• the SME Test.