Tánaiste Calls For Reduction In Red Tape For Business

The Tánaiste said: "This is being done in a prioritised way drawing on the experiences of other EU member states which are also involved in this international effort.

"Irish Government Departments are currently identifying the "Information Obligations" contained in their legislation, likely to be causing the biggest burdens for business. This will encompass all areas of regulation affecting business, including taxation, health and safety, statistics, employment and company law."

"Work is now well advanced in my own Department, in measuring obligations in company law, employment law and health and safety law. Simplification plans will follow on foot of this work." concluded the Tánaiste.

The Tánaiste has also met with the Director General of the Central Statistics Office, Gerry O'Hanlon to discuss progress in reducing the level of red tape for business.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is charged with leading the cross-Government drive to reduce red tape costs for business.

Some €20million in administrative costs has already been saved by Irish businesses as a result of cutting out paperwork, revising the rules for small businesses and making better use of on-line services.

The Government has also set a target of 25% of a reduction in the administrative burden on Irish business. Departments are tasked with identifying where legislation has imposed an administration burden, or "red tape" on business and with recommending ways to reduce that burden, without undermining the policy objectives behind the regulation.