Dublin Chamber has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Cost of Business Advisory Forum report, which includes a number of measures long advocated for by Dublin Chamber to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on businesses.
The report sets out 63 recommendations aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and improving Ireland’s competitiveness, with proposals covering energy, insurance, planning, utilities, legal costs, tax administration and banking.
Dublin Chamber was represented on the Forum by Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs, following his nomination by Chambers Ireland. Through the Forum, Dublin Chamber worked alongside Chambers Ireland, the wider Chamber Network and other business representatives to press for practical measures to reduce costs and regulatory burdens on businesses. We particularly welcome recommendations to strengthen the SME Test, reform Revenue’s Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR), simplify permits and licensing and embed greater consideration of business affordability and competitiveness in regulatory decision-making.
Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs at Dublin Chamber, said:
“Businesses in Dublin are operating in an increasingly high-cost environment. Energy, insurance, finance and compliance costs all feed directly into the cost of operating, investing and creating jobs. Government needs to look not only at each of these costs individually, but at their cumulative impact on businesses."
“We are pleased that the report reflects a number of proposals Dublin Chamber has been advocating for. In particular, strengthening the SME Test and requiring Government Departments to ‘comply or explain’ should help ensure that the cost of new regulation on smaller businesses is properly considered before it is introduced.”
“Businesses understand the need for regulation, but the administrative burden attached to it must be justified and designed with the capacity of smaller firms in mind.”
“The same principle should apply across Government. The recommendation to simplify and rationalise permits and licences is welcome, as is the proposal for Government Departments to audit existing regulations that add to the cost of doing business.”
The report also recommends that affordability and cost competitiveness for businesses be incorporated into the mandate of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, alongside measures to improve transparency in energy and utility charges.
Mr McGibney concluded: “The focus now needs to be on delivery. These recommendations should not be allowed to sit on a shelf. Government should set out clear timelines for implementation and move quickly on those measures that can reduce costs and administrative burdens for businesses.
ENDS
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About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.