Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
133. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to implement the recommendations of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum report that come under the remit of his Department. [68453/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is conscious of the challenges facing all businesses in the current economic climate. The Programme for Government sets out a range of commitments to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to promote innovation, economic growth and entrepreneurship, and maintaining competitiveness. This is an ongoing process.
The Report of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum was published on 28 August. This is an industry-led report, facilitated by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and was established as one of the commitments under the Programme for Government to examine the factors contributing to the cost of doing business in Ireland and to identify practical measures to improve competitiveness.
The Forum brought together business representative bodies, from retail and tourism to agriculture and the multinational sector, alongside Government Departments and State Agencies. It was designed to facilitate a solution focused dialogue between businesses, policymakers, regulators and experts, who have insight into the factors driving the rising costs of business in Ireland. A number of meetings of the Forum took place since its establishment in June 2025, and focused on Insurance Costs, Regulation and Planning, Water Services, Legal Costs, Regulation and Compliance, and Banking, Payments and Financial Services. The report contains 63 recommendations aimed at reducing business costs, strengthening competitiveness and easing regulatory burdens, a number of which come within my Department’s remit.
My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has contacted the Minister for Finance, Tánaiste Harris, as well as other relevant Ministers to assess the feasibility, resource implications and potential impacts of individual recommendations and identify priorities for action. As a Government, we are committed to progressing practical measures that reduce the cost of doing business, enhance competitiveness and support a favourable operating environment for SME's and enterprise.
I am advised that the Forum will reconvene in January 2027 and review progress made to date.
