Ollie Crowe
Industrial and Commercial Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“It establishes an AI office of Ireland as a strong independent institution at the centre of our AI regulatory system and empowers our competent authorities with the investigative and sanctioning tools they need.”
“This new office will have an important role to play in addressing those concerns and enhancing AI literacy across a wide range of areas, including in businesses. Ireland has been a tech leader for many years.”
“We need to ensure that we are prepared as effectively as possible for all those outcomes and this office will be an important resource in meeting that challenge. As the Minister of State is aware, Article 73 of the AI Act requires our competent authorities to have adequate technical, financial and human resources.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, to the Chamber this evening. Fianna Fáil welcomes and supports this Bill which as the Minister of State outlined will give effect in Ireland to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and establish the domestic enforcement architecture necessary to ensure the world's first comprehensive AI regulat…”
“I welcome the Minister of State's confirmation that this power is limited and constrained, and does not extend to the key functions, the findings of the adjudicator, the determination of administrative sanctions or the role of the courts. That is a welcome and important clarification. I welcome the Bill.”
“I raise the proposal reforms to the criminal legal aid scheme, which are due to come into effect on 1 July. As Members are aware, strike action began in courts across the country in recent days and is expected to continue today and tomorrow.”
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“I am advised the relevant Departments will, working collaboratively, undertake to progress these matters over the coming months and will consider the development of the appropriate Government legislative proposals in line with the principles of this Private Member’s Bill. While I am certainly supportive of the aims of this Bill generally, neither I nor Fianna Fáil can support it in its current format, but I will be expecting we would see progress in this area in the short term. It is, of course, understandable that an area such as this will require cross-departmental work on the legislation, but I hope and expect we will see the fruits of that labour in the short term. Following that work, I look forward to seeing legislation before this House that we hope will address the topic.”
“Members will also be aware the UK is currently examining this issue and has flagged an intention to introduce paid bereavement leave for miscarriage as well as unpaid statutory bereavement leave in some instances as part of a forthcoming employment rights Bill. I understand this is being closely monitored by Department officials. The introduction of any additional form of compassionate or family leave will require detailed legislative provisions on the circumstances in which the leave entitlement would arise and may give rise to consequential amendments to the existing legislation. Development of legislation of this nature will require significant collaboration across a number of Government Departments.”
“As Members will be aware, the report entitled PLACES Pregnancy Loss (under 24 weeks) in Workplaces: Informing policymakers on support mechanisms was commissioned by the then Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and carried out by University College Cork and the University of Galway. The report was published on 26 January 2024 and made a series or recommendations regarding support for employees who have experienced a miscarriage. These recommendations, which include the provision of statutory leave for miscarriage, are now being considered in the development of Government policy in this area, including any legislative implications.”
“As it is so rarely spoken about, it can feel to parents or families it affects that it is rare or unusual when the exact opposite is the case, and it is, sadly, very common. According to the Miscarriage Association of Ireland, one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Often when this happens, very few people are aware, so in addition to the parents mourning this huge loss, it can be very isolating for them too given the vast majority of people in their lives likely know nothing about the massive loss they have just suffered. It can cause a whole range of issues for families and people generally that need to be discussed, and more often. While it is obviously a challenging topic it is one where supports could really have a transformative impact.”
“I am advised the Organisation of Working Time Act is not the correct legislative vehicle to provide for the type of entitlements set out in the Private Member's Bill. Such entitlements are more appropriately covered by family leave provisions such as those in the Parental Leave Acts 1998 to 2019, which include provision for force majeure leave. As Members will be aware, the equality and family leaves (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is listed for priority drafting in the Government’s legislative programme and consideration could be given to including amendments to provide for statutory leave for pregnancy loss. This is an issue that affects thousands of families every year and the nature of it means it often does not attract the focus and attention an issue with such widespread impact usually would.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after “That” and substitute the following: - "Seanad Éireann resolves that the Pregnancy Loss (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 be read a second time on this day 12 months, to allow sufficient time for the development of Government legislative proposals, in line with the principles of this Private Members' Bill." I welcome the Minister, Deputy Burke, to the Chamber. I thank Senator Ryan for sharing her personal story. It is a very heartfelt story and I wish her all the best. Fianna Fáil welcomes the debate and supports the proposal by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for a timed amendment of 12 months to this Private Member's Bill from 9 July 2025 to allow sufficient time for the development of Government legislative proposals in line with the provisions of the Bill.”
“We need to have more discussion on it in this House. I ask that the matter be raised with the Minister for Health and request that she joins us in the coming weeks.”
“Kavanagh also emphasised that nicotine is a toxic and addictive substance and that e-cigarettes can deliver it in unpredictable and inconsistent doses. There is also significant concern about e-cigarettes being a gateway to cigarettes. The steady decline in traditional smoking has slowed considerably, which lends credibility to that suggestion. Basically, people are starting out on e-cigarettes and then moving on to cigarettes. According to the experts, three in ten of all teenagers are using these products, we still do not know the health effects and we will not know them for years to come. I do not think I am on the only one in this House reflecting that we do not know the health effects of e-cigarettes and hoping this does not end with a similar story to cigarettes. These statistics are very alarming.”
“This morning I raise the issue of vaping, especially the growth in vaping we have seen among young people in recent years. The proportion of young people in Ireland using vapes and other tobacco products has increased significantly, rising from under 20% in 2015 to 30% in less than ten years, according to research from the Irish National Cancer Registry. Many of us have sort of believed vaping to be more or less safe, but as Paul Kavanagh, chair of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland clinical advisory group on smoking and e-cigarettes, pointed out, when commenting on this research, that the reality is it will be another ten or 20 years before we know the full health effects of e-cigarettes. Dr.”
“It also reinforces the importance of local authorities and local accountability. I am proud to support this Bill and urge all Members to do so. It is the right step forward for homeowners, local authorities and the future of public services.”
“It also delivers on commitments made in the programme for Government to promote fairness and stability in LPT payments, keep revenue in local areas and protect those on low incomes. This Bill meets all of those commitments. It is a balanced, forward-thinking and responsible piece of legislation that will benefit our communities for years to come. The core principles that shape the Bill are fairness, stability and local empowerment. By broadening the valuation bands, updating the deferral thresholds and applying progressive rates to high-value properties, we are ensuring the LPT remains fair and proportionate. On stability, the five-year valuation period brings predictability and allows homeowners to plan with confidence. When it comes to local empowerment, it enables local authorities to vary the LPT and retain any additional revenue.”
“This Bill addresses those concerns head on by expanding the valuation bands and limiting the average increase to less than 5%. We are ensuring most homeowners in Galway city and county and across the country will see only a modest and manageable adjustment to their LPT liabilities and one that is fair and proportionate. The revised deferral thresholds provide an essential safety net. No one should have to choose between paying LPT and covering basic living costs. The Government has been steadfast in its determination to protect the most vulnerable. This Bill is a clear reflection of that commitment. We live in most uncertain times and that means it is more important than ever to maintain a broad and stable tax base.”
“From a local perspective with regard to Galway, I know how important the funding from the LPT was for Galway City Council's budgets. I also recognise the strain householders were under in terms of their own finances. The local property tax has been instrumental in funding essential services across our city. It has supported the upkeep of parks, playgrounds, locals sports clubs and enabled the delivery of local programmes that strengthen our communities. It has also contributed to funding road maintenance and enhanced public lighting. Over the past few months I have heard from many constituents who value these services but are understandably concerned about the effects rising property values might have on their LPT bills.”
“This ensures that individuals on lower incomes or with limited financial resources can still access the deferral options. These thresholds have been revised to account for inflation, wage growth and increases in State supports since 2021, an essential measure to prevent the LPT from becoming an excessive burden on vulnerable households. Additionally, the Bill strengthens the roles of the local authorities by allowing them to increase the LPT rate by up to 25%, enhancing their ability to address local priorities. The existing cap of a 15% reduction remains in place. Crucially, any extra revenue generated through these adjustments will stay with the local authorities, ensuring that the financial benefits are reinvested in local services and infrastructure, directly benefiting communities across our country.”
“This progressive structure is central to maintaining fairness in the system, ensuring owners of more expensive properties pay their fair share while shielding those with low or middle incomes from steep increase, which is correct, right and fair. I commend the Government on doing this. A key element of the Bill is the establishment of a five-year valuation period from 2026 to 2030. This brings greater predictability and stability for property owners enabling them to plan their finances with more confidence. The next revaluation scheduled for 1 November 2030 will continue a consistent review cycle that reflects shifts in the property market without causing major disruption. The Bill also tackles affordability by adjusting the income threshold for LPT deferral in line with current economic conditions.”
“To give perspective, even though property values have gone up by roughly 24%, the broader bands and updated base rate of 0.0906% means that the typical increase in LPT for most households will remain under 5%. For properties valued below €1.26 million, the base charge will rise between 5% and 6%. This represents a relatively small adjustment consistent with the rise in property values and significantly below the rate of inflation. For higher value properties, the legislation ensures that the local property tax remains aligned with market values. Homes worth more than €2.1 million will be taxed based on their full market value, with graduated rates applied across the value brackets.”
“If the current system had been left in place, it would have led to homeowners facing a dramatic rise in their LPT, and that would have been neither fair nor sustainable. The Government recognises this and has engaged with all stakeholders before publishing this Bill, which will ensure changes made to the system keep the LPT as fair and sustainable as possible. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, referenced that the Bill widens the valuation bands by 20%. As a result, the valuation bands used to calculate the LPT will be expanded, allowing many homeowners to stay within their existing bands despite rising property values. As has been outlined, this key measure helps ensure the vast majority of homeowners, around 96%, will not experience an increase of more than one band in their LPT assessment. In fact, many will see no change at all.”
“The principle of local accountability and local benefit is at the heart of the LPT system and one that the Bill seeks to strengthen. From my own experience on Galway City Council, it was very important we ring-fenced the money for certain projects in the three LEAs in Galway city in order that each person living in those areas would see the benefit. Of course, the LPT must adapt to changing conditions, as any tax must. As the Minister and all Members will be aware, property prices have increased substantially since the previous revision which was made in 2021. Data from the Central Statistics Office reflects this, showing that residential property prices have increased by over 20% in the past four years. In some areas the increases in residential property prices have been ever steeper than that.”
“Over a decade on since the introduction of the LPT, I think even critics would have to agree it has delivered on those goals of broadening our tax base and delivering a reliable level of funding to our local authorities. It has become the lynchpin of local government funding, supporting the delivery of essential services we rely on every day. Whether it is the maintenance of our roads, footpaths, the upkeep of our parks and green spaces, or funding for our libraries, community centres and other local amenities, the funding delivered from the LPT is essential to those works. Perhaps the LPT's most important aspect is it is a tax retained locally. The revenue raised in each local authority area is spent almost exclusively in that area, ensuring that communities see a direct return for their contribution.”
“I welcome the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to the House. He is a former member of the Seanad and I wish him continued success as Minister for Finance. I am standing in this afternoon for Senator Pat Casey who is attending the Council of Europe. Having been a councillor for 11 years before becoming a Member of this House, I am very aware of the importance of the local property tax, both as a source of funding for local authorities and as a concern for homeowners, particularly in challenging times. As the Minister and Members will be aware, the local property tax was introduced in 2013 as part of a wider effort to broaden our tax base. The idea behind the tax was that it would provide a stable and a predictable level of funding to our local authorities and reduce our reliance on volatile transaction-based taxes, such as stamp duty.”
“I would be very grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House would raise these concerns with the Minister and request he joins us for a full discussion immediately on the matter.”
“Nine in ten said they have not benefited from the Government's action plan on insurance reform, while 67% of policyholders surveyed have seen added exclusions, increased excesses or both in recent years. As was pointed out, this means consumers are now paying more for less cover. As we know, SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy. Many of them are under considerable pressure. We are all being contacted about it and one of their greatest expenses is insurance. There is a duty on Government to carefully consider the impact this move will have. Obviously, it will increase premiums at a minimum. Such a move requires long, thoughtful debate rather than simply rubber-stamping it at Cabinet.”
“The Alliance for Insurance Reform released a survey yesterday which found that three quarters of small businesses and sporting, community and voluntary groups have seen their insurance premium rise over the past two years, despite Government reforms. All members of the House are contacted about this daily and it is hugely frustrating. Virtually none of the almost 800 such firms and groups that were surveyed by the Alliance for Insurance Reform believe that their insurance companies are passing on any savings to them. In government, we have a moral responsibility to do something about that. The survey also found that 76% of its respondents had not had a claim within the past two years. Four in five believed claims were unnecessarily extended by lawyers to increase their fees.”
“Similar to Senator Fitzpatrick and Senator Nelson Murray, I raise the insurance issue again. It is vitally important to the hospitality sector, which I represent, and sectors across society. I reference general insurance and personal injury awards. As Members will be aware and as was outlined, the Cabinet is scheduled to consider recommendations from the Judiciary to increase personal injuries guidelines by 17% in the coming weeks. This increase needs to be considered carefully. I cannot agree with it, given the current trends, what we are hearing and the facts we know about the insurance market.”
“The handling of this issue by Irish Rail with broken promises to restore the catering services by the end of 2024 and its limited communication is unacceptable at best. I ask the Minister for Transport to intervene and do his level best to return the catering services to the Galway to Dublin line.”
“I thank Minister of State, Deputy Canney, for his detailed response. I find it a little bit disingenuous that the Dublin to Belfast and Dublin to Cork lines have been sorted out but we are nearly forgotten about in the west. As a leading Minister of State in the west, I know it is a high priority for him, but to say it is an operational issue, I do not know. The trains are packed and, in fairness, there has been significant funding put in to bring down the cost of fares, and that is very welcome. We need to complete the process. If it is good enough for Cork and Belfast to and from Dublin, then I do not see why the Galway to Dublin line cannot be rectified. We are the only country in western Europe where customers on intercity rail services do not have a catering option. I am referring to the Galway-Dublin line.”
“In my opinion, there is a health and safety aspect to this, where if a person falls ill, which has happened, or if there is a medical emergency, there is not even access to a bottle of water on the train. There has been a troubling lack of transparency on the issue. Surely the NTA or Irish Rail should be able to clarify what funding is required to restore the service so that at least all information is available, but that does not seem to be the case, or certainly the information is not being provided. I raised this previously, in 2021, and got commitments on that occasion. I have no doubt the Minister of State will be bringing good news shortly. The situation should not be tolerated for this long and I urge Government to take action to address it immediately.”
“For that to happen, we should aim to provide the best experience possible. We also need to ensure that we are giving tourists the best experience in every way. Obviously tourism is an important sector for Ireland. It is a sector in which we were doing well for a long time, but we cannot take it for granted. Tourists have a basic expectation of being able to get water, a mineral or some food on trains, and we need to meet those criteria. I commute from Galway on the train and a considerable number of people who have been sitting close to me in the past 18 months have expressed surprise and disappointment, especially on the early morning trains, that they cannot get a cup of coffee, a sandwich or whatever it might be.”
“Catering services are an essential and, frankly, basic part of train travel for commuters and tourists alike. Ireland is currently the only country in western Europe which does not provide catering services, which is not an acceptable standard. We want to promote public transport and make it more attractive. We are providing funding to do that in every budget, yet at the same time, we are providing rail services where people cannot get a cup of tea or coffee, something that they could do, as the Minister of State is well aware, 25, 35 or 40 years ago. It is entirely illogical. Especially for those who rarely use the train, it is the easiest way we can increase usage of public transport, as the Minister of State will be aware, by making irregular customers travel more often.”
“I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to the Chamber and wish him continued success in his transport portfolio and as a Minister of State attending Cabinet. As Members will be aware, catering facilities on trains were stopped during Covid. They returned on a limited number of services, specifically Dublin to Cork. Irish Rail had committed to a full restoration of catering services by the end of 2024, but obviously that did not happen. Last month, Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority, NTA, stated that there was not sufficient funding to restore catering services. In 2025, if there is not sufficient funding to restore catering services, we need to know what is required, because it is an unacceptable answer as far as I am concerned.”
“There is no shortage of research or findings that make it equally clear how normalised the use of this drug has become. Obviously, I cannot go through them all today, but it is clear this is a major issue. It is a ticking timebomb that needs urgent attention. We need to massively increase our efforts to tackle this epidemic as a matter of priority. I would be grateful if the Leader of the House could raise the matter with the relevant Minister and ask them to come before the House for a broader discussion.”
“In 2023, that figure was under 33%, representing a dramatic increase over in just 12 months. This report also highlighted a 426% increase in treatment rates for female users of the drug in the past eight years. Overall, there has been a 215% increase in cases receiving treatment for cocaine as the main problem drug since 2017. These are extraordinary numbers in any person's language. If you speak to anyone involved with young people on a regular basis, they will tell you how common cocaine has become and how early teenagers are beginning to use the drug. It is absolutely frightening. An addiction counsellor in Limerick said on the radio earlier this month that it is not uncommon for him to meet young people in their twenties who were introduced to cocaine at an alarmingly young age, with some as young as 15.”
“I raise the issue of illegal drug use, specifically cocaine. All Members will be aware that usage of this drug has soared in recent years, as has been reflected in every piece of data we see. The HSE's drugs and alcohol helpline produced its latest annual report last month, for the year 2023, in which the helpline received almost 6,000 calls. These were the largest figures since the service began 28 years ago. The report highlighted the dramatic rise in cocaine use, stating that in 2009, cocaine was mentioned in only 2% of call, whereas in 2023, this had increased to 21%. Also last month, data from the national drug treatment reporting system published by the Health Research Board, HRB, showed an upward trend in treatment cases by up to 50% in the past eight years. Cocaine was the main drug in almost 40% of these cases of treatment.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I am aware of the review, but given the mountain of research that has already been conducted on this topic, I believe they have all the evidence they need to make the right decision and finally correct this. I urge the Minister and the Department to engage with the State Examinations Commission as a matter of priority.”
“When this is all combined and under time constraint, a person with dyslexia can become stressed, anxious and often freezes.”
“I raise this today having been approached by a mother in Galway a number of weeks ago who told me how much stress this was causing and how much her child would benefit from a time allowance similar to that available in other European countries. This is an issue affecting thousands of families in the country every year. They are not looking for special treatment, merely just a level playing field that acknowledges their child's situation. Dyslexia also impacts on confidence, esteem and relationship building, naturally enough. Students with dyslexia process information differently from students without it. This is in regard to reading text, processing what that information means, understanding it and how to articulate the information, either verbally or as an answer to an exam question on paper.”
“I thank the Acting Chair. Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects about one in ten students, manifesting in a spectrum from mild to severe. As the Minister of State and Senators will be aware, it is legally recognised as a disability under both Irish and EU law. That recognition ensures the right to various accommodations in both education settings and the workplace. In many countries, students with dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions are granted additional time to support them during their formal State exams. For example, these countries include France, where students receive 33% additional time; Italy, where it is 30% additional time; and the UK, where students receive 25% additional time. There is currently no provision for extra time in Ireland despite advocates having raised this for years.”
“I thank the Senators for their support this evening, more or less across the board. All Senators were very supportive and I appreciate that. As we are all aware, Private Members' time is precious and supporting small businesses and sending a strong message to the Government is vital. It shows. Most of us brought the human side to it to with our backgrounds, so that is vitally important. Will the Minister of State provide a progress report in a number of months on the small business unit and on the forum? That is a very important element and will show leadership. We would appreciate it if she could do that for us. The Minister of State has outlined the work that goes on with the LEOs, the CeADAR, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. She is doing a brilliant job and is a flag bearer for us. I ask her to continue the good work.”
“These proposals will reduce the complexity of EU requirements for all businesses, especially SMEs. It is clear how essential SMEs are to our economy. It is also clear there is a lot of good work happening by Government in terms of enhancing supports available to SMEs and reducing the administrative burden they face. We must ensure the Government continues to focus on that work and that it brings results which provide SMEs with better resources and reduced bureaucracy as they build their businesses. I wish the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, the very best in her role. If she keeps on going the way she started off, she will be flying it.”
“In addition to rigorously applying the new SME test, the Government has also recently committed to consult with business to identify additional areas across Departments and agencies where the regulatory burden could be reduced. In terms of what is happening at EU level, members will be aware that in February the European Commission adopted a new package of proposals to simplify EU rules, boost competitiveness and unlock additional investment capacity. This is a major step forward in creating a more favourable business environment to help EU companies grow, innovate and create quality jobs. The Commission has a clear target to deliver an unprecedented simplification effort by achieving at least 25% reduction in administrative burdens and at least 35% for SMEs until the end of this mandate.”
“The small business unit will focus on rigorously implementing the SME test to ensure the perspectives of small businesses are considered across government before new legislation or regulation is introduced. The SME test is an impact assessment tool that has been designed to assist policymakers to consider the SME perspective when making any new policies, primary or secondary legislation or regulatory compliance requirements. The objective of the SME test is to ensure the ease of use, understanding and application of policy requirements on SMEs. The test identifies disproportionate impacts on SMEs and encourages policymakers to propose alternative policy options or mitigating measures to minimise the impact on small businesses and to ensure that the regulatory environment allows SMEs to operate, grow and scale up.”
“The establishment of the small business unit comes in addition to the Government agreeing in April, as I previously referenced, to expedite the development of the action plan for competitiveness and productivity as well as adopting a series of short-term measures to address the competitiveness challenges facing Ireland. In addition to accelerating the action plan, the Government approved the following high-level short-term measures for implementation and enhancing international trade promotion. The small business unit is based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The programme for Government sets out clearly how the needs of small businesses must have a dedicated focus and be recognised and acknowledged across Government.”
“The small business unit will also oversee the simplification of information and access to grants and supports for businesses though the national enterprise hub. It will also ensure the local enterprise offices are properly resourced to help small businesses. Small businesses employ two thirds of our population and keep our local communities and economies vibrant and strong. Government must recognise this and ensure we are providing the support that SMEs need to run their businesses successfully and continue to provide vital employment and economic benefits across the country.”
“The programme for Government and Fianna Fáil's manifesto pledged the establishment of a cost of business advisory forum and it is proposed the forum will focus on the regulatory burden as well as other costs highlighted by businesses. Its first meeting was held last week and that was welcome. The inaugural meeting of the new Department of enterprise-led forum to examine the costs involved in running a business was on 11 June. A cross-government network has developed the enhanced SME test and will continue to work together on implementation, strengthening the language and using guidance and adding clarity as to when and where it should be applied as well as more detailed screening questions. Emphasising the need for consultation will ensure the SME test will become an even more useful tool for policymakers.”
“This plan will cover industrial policy, reducing costs and regulatory burdens on businesses, investing in infrastructure, digital regulation and reform, energy reform, international trade and research, and development and innovation. Over the coming weeks, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council will finalise and submit its Ireland's competitiveness challenge 2025 report to Government. Given the highlighted level of international uncertainty, the overarching objective of the action plan will be to focus on matters within our control by way of policy changes that can make the domestic Irish economy more competitive and resilient to economic shocks.”
“Another positive measure this Government has taken was done last month with the establishment of a dedicated small and cross-government network. The forum was established with the aim of reducing costs and addressing delays which can impact the operation of businesses in Ireland. In recognition of these challenges facing Ireland, the current programme for Government committed to the publication of a new whole-of-government action plan for competitiveness and productivity by January 2026. The Government has, however, accelerated this timeline, with a draft of the plan to be considered by Ministers at a competitiveness summit next month.”
“After last week’s initial meeting, each subsequent session will focus on a specific theme, such as licensing, infrastructure, or regulatory fees, with the relevant regulators invited to attend and respond. The goal is to create a space where businesses can speak directly to decision-makers about the real world impact of rules and charges and identify areas to make practical changes. That is a hugely positive and welcome development. I am sure other members have heard complaints similar to those I have heard from business owners in the past about policymakers not listening sufficiently to their concerns or being aware of the challenges they are facing, so bringing business owners and policymakers into a forum together has the potential to make a real and substantial difference.”
“However, the international context is rapidly changing, and we recognise that many businesses, whether indigenous or FDI, are facing increased challenges. The forum was established with the aim of reducing the cost of running a business, and addressing delays which can impact the operation of businesses in Ireland. For the first time, regulators will be directly in the room to hear from business owners and representatives themselves. The forum brings together business owners, retailers, tourism operators, accounting professionals and representative groups, alongside regulators and State agencies, to look at the structural issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to negate them.”
“Nonetheless, we must ensure that we are continuing to reduce that burden to the most minimal amount possible while also offering enhanced resources to businesses that can help them to manage that burden, especially for new entrepreneurs for reasons previously referenced. Our goal must be to create a business environment that values hard work and entrepreneurship and supports the development of an innovative indigenous business sector. The programme for Government is clear in setting out the importance of SMEs to our economy. Developing Ireland's enterprise base remains a key priority and we will strive to reduce costs, administrative burdens and bureaucracy for businesses. Ireland’s strong competitive position is reflected in our exceptionally strong economic performance in recent years.”
“From my own experience, I know how challenging the administrative burden can be for SMEs that are limited in their resources available to address this burden. It is something that can end up taking an extraordinary amount of time, particularly for new enterprises that have not encountered it before. I wish to say "Bye" to the students and teachers from Broadford school in County Kildare. I hope they enjoy the rest of their stay in Leinster House. As Members may be aware, Ireland is internationally well regarded in terms of regulatory burden. The 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report from the European Commission ranked Ireland fourth in terms of ease of regulatory compliance in the EU.”