Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
252. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if an assessment has been undertaken of the impact of import delays and regulatory processing times at ports and airports on small and medium sized enterprises importing perishable products; the supports available to affected businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52978/26]
View answerThe efficient movement of goods through Ireland's ports and airports is an important element of our trading environment, particularly for SMEs importing perishable products, where even short delays can have a disproportionate impact on business viability. While the operation of customs and regulatory controls at these points of entry is primarily a matter for the relevant competent authorities, including Revenue, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and other agencies responsible for import controls, my Department maintains a strong interest in ensuring that regulatory processes across Government support, rather than hinder, business competitiveness. These controls are required to ensure compliance with EU and national requirements relating to customs, food safety, animal and plant health, and consumer protection.
Government departments and agencies engage on an ongoing basis with businesses and representative bodies regarding issues affecting trade flows, supply chains and customs processes. A range of measures are in place to minimise delays, and importers are encouraged to ensure that all required documentation is submitted accurately and within the prescribed timelines, as incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays. My Department also provides channels through which businesses can raise such concerns directly with policymakers, including through the Enterprise and Retail Forums and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, established to examine key cost drivers and regulatory frameworks, including tax administration and regulatory compliance burdens, affecting Irish businesses. The Forum's report with recommendations will be presented to Government at the end of July.
In terms of direct supports, businesses can avail of customs training and advisory supports provided through Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and other agencies; guidance from Revenue on customs procedures; and sector-specific supports available through relevant State bodies. Access to these supports has been simplified through the National Enterprise Hub, which has handled over 7,500 enquiries and now provides a single point of contact for over 250 supports across 29 departments and agencies, reducing the burden on SMEs of navigating this landscape, including those dealing in time-sensitive perishable goods.
More broadly, my Department remains committed to reducing the administrative and regulatory burden on SMEs across all areas of their operations. This is reflected in the Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity, published in September 2025, which contains 85 actions, including regulating for growth and controlling costs, and better regulation, licensing and permitting, an area where Ireland currently lags the average of the five best-performing OECD countries. This domestic work is complemented by the Red Tape Challenge across Government and by the EU's own simplification agenda, under which the European Commission has published 12 Omnibus packages to date, with further proposals expected in 2026. My Department will continue to monitor emerging issues affecting trade flows and competitiveness, including those impacting SMEs in the perishable goods sector, and will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate action is taken.
