Well designed and proportionate regulation critical for our complex economy

• Ahead of the new Cost of Business Advisory Forum, Ibec identifies over 48 key regulatory issues for business.
• Issues outlined include system complexity, excessive reporting, and inadequate funding for regulators.

Ahead of the first meeting of the new Cost of Business Advisory Forum — established by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment — Ibec, the group representing Irish business, has published a new policy paper on regulation which it will present at the first meeting of the Fourm. This paper is part of Ibec’s broader Business Ambition campaign and responds to the Government’s plan to publish a new Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity.

The report, developed in close consultation with Ibec members, identifies over 48 areas where poorly designed, overly complex or excessive regulation has increased costs for businesses of all sizes.

Aidan Sweeney, Head of Infrastructure & Environmental Sustainability at Ibec said: 

“The establishment of this forum is something Ibec fully supports, and it is essential that any recommendations are implemented with urgency. Regulation is a critical part of the infrastructure needed for a modern, complex economy. When done well, it benefits both businesses and consumers — but it must be proportionate and well-designed.

In recent years, we’ve seen drift and complacency on this issue both in Ireland and across Europe. The EU’s recent efforts to simplify the regulatory environment acknowledge this. Now is the time for Ireland to advance a better regulation and simplification agenda at home.

Through extensive consultation with our members, we have identified 48 key regulatory issues affecting business.”

Read the full paper: https://www.ibec.ie/regulatory