Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
253. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if consideration is being given to establishing a cross-departmental trade facilitation mechanism or trader support service to assist businesses encountering operational difficulties involving multiple State agencies during the importation of goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53051/26]
View answerThe importation of goods from outside the EU falls within the EU Customs Union, which is an area of exclusive EU competence under Article 3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). This means that the EU, rather than individual Member States, sets the core customs rules, tariffs and procedures governing imports. Member States are responsible for administering and enforcing those rules through their national authorities.
The Government recognises the importance of helping businesses navigate the regulatory and operational requirements associated with importing goods. A number of State bodies, including Revenue, DAFM, the HSE and the FSAI, have responsibilities in this area.
Where issues arise with traders engaging with multiple authorities, existing arrangements provide for inter-agency cooperation, while businesses can access support through the relevant agencies, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices.
My Department has responsibility for reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on business and works with stakeholders and other Departments to identify regulatory bottlenecks and opportunities for simplification. This work is informed by Ireland's Better Regulation framework and engagement at EU and OECD level, and through cooperation with other Government Departments and agencies.
While there are currently no plans to establish a dedicated cross-departmental trade facilitation mechanism or trader support service, the effectiveness of existing supports remains under review. The Government is committed to streamlining regulatory processes, improving coordination across agencies and ensuring that barriers to trade are addressed where possible, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
I will continue to engage with relevant Departments, agencies and business representative organisations to ensure that the needs of traders are appropriately considered.
