Roinn an Taoisigh
Department of the Taoiseach

Regulating Better - A Governement White Paper setting out six principles of Better Regulation

Chart of Regulatory Principles and Actions

Table of Contents

Taoiseach's Foreword

Executive Summary

Chart of Principles

Effectiveness

Proportionality

Transparency

Accountability

Consistency

Action Programme for Better Regulation

Appendices

Appendix I - Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA)

Appendix II - RIA and the Legislative Process

Chart of Regulatory Principles and Actions
1. NECESSITY	2. EFFECTIVENESS	3. PROPORTIONALITY	4. TRANSPARENCY	5. ACCOUNTABILITY	6. CONSISTENCY
We will require higher standards of evidence before regulating We will strengthen policy making and the quality of regulations through impact analysis, better training and awareness-raising and better quality data on which to base decisions. We will reduce red tape The burden of red tape will be reduced through customer service initiatives, IT-enabled improvements and Statute Law Revision. We will keep our regulatory institutions and framework under review The requirement for sectoral regulatory institutions will be regularly reviewed in the light of sectoral dynamics, competition, convergence and market change.	We will target our new regulations more effectively The objectives of regulation will be stated clearly in explanatory guides. We will more frequently use regulation that sets out the goals to be achieved but which leaves maximum flexibility as to the means of achieving them. We will make sure that regulations can be adequately enforced and complied with We will frame regulations so that they achieve the greatest levels of compliance without excessive enforcement and compliance costs. We will ensure that existing regulations in key areas are still valid We will systematically review existing regulations governing key areas of the economy and society.	We will regulate as lightly as possible given the circumstances, and use more alternatives We will promote the use of a wider range of alternatives by Government Departments/Offices. We will ensure that both the burden of complying and the penalty for not complying are fair Penalties in regulations will be more proportionate. We will also monitor the burden of compliance on business and SMEs. We will use Regulatory Impact Analysis appropriately when making regulations We will pilot and then mainstream a system of RIA in Government Departments and Offices.	We will consult more widely before regulating Consultation processes will be improved and made more consistent across Government Departments and Offices. There will be greater clarity about Public Service Obligations We will ensure that Public Service Obligations are made more explicit when regulating, in terms of costs and service levels. Regulations will be straightforward, clear and accessible Regulations will be as straightforward, clear and accessible as possible, with guidance in plain language.	We will strengthen accountability in the regulatory process Regulators and enforcement agencies should be clearly accountable to citizens, through the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government. We will improve appeals procedures There should be well publicised, accessible and equitable appeals procedures that balance rights of appeal with the need for speedy action, in a fair manner. Where regulatory decisions are referred to the courts, there are particular requirements of speed and expertise.	We will ensure greater consistency across regulatory bodies As far as possible, there should be greater similarity in the remit, responsibilities, structure and approaches of regulatory institutions. We will ensure that regulations in particular sectors/areas are consistent Legislation in linked or connected areas will be consistent, and kept up to date and accessible through processes of simplification, consolidation and restatement.

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