Taoiseach's Foreword

Taoiseach's Foreword

Executive Summary

Glossary

Overview

Chart of Principles

Necessity

Effectiveness

Proportionality

Transparency

Accountability

Consistency

Action Programme for Better Regulation

Appendices

Appendix I - Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA)

Appendix II - RIA and the Legislative Process

Enhanced competitiveness is a key part of the Government's strategy to achieve social progress, better living standards and a steadily improving quality of life. I am absolutely committed to ensuring that Ireland continues to be a competitive and open economy and that we do not erode the social and economic progress we have made as a country over recent years. This White Paper deals with good quality regulation, which has an essential role in achieving these objectives. It sets out core principles that the Government will adhere to in regulating and outlines a number of steps that will be taken to put the principles into practice.

Our exceptional economic growth in recent years has enabled Ireland to make significant gains on a number of fronts. Employment expanded, the unemployment rate fell rapidly, much-needed infrastructural projects were put in place or initiated, and living standards rose significantly. However, in the current, more uncertain global economic environment we need new avenues through which we can maintain and enhance our competitiveness. We also need to ensure that the benefits of greater competitiveness and of heightened domestic competition are transferred to citizens and businesses. Better Regulation is one of the instruments available to achieve this.

Historically, much Government attention has been focused on the traditional instruments of Government, such as current expenditure, taxation and investment. Little importance has been given to regulatory policy. However, increasingly in OECD countries, greater attention is being paid to choosing the most appropriate regulatory framework. The coming years are likely to be crucial, domestically and internationally, in establishing the right mix of regulatory policies, tools and institutions. This White Paper establishes core principles to guide these choices and, in doing so, provides for greater participation and transparency in policy-making and contributes to a better environment for the individual, the community and for business.

While many countries now recognise that Better Regulation is vitally important for competitiveness and economic growth, Better Regulation also has a role to play in promoting inclusiveness and good government for all citizens. Thus, the core principles set out in this White Paper also relate to the quality of governance and the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service.

It is widely accepted that, as well as providing predictability and certainty in the business world, good quality regulation contributes to establishing and maintaining individual freedom and social cohesion, not least through articulation and protection of citizens' and consumers' rights. However, the reverse is also true. Bad or cumbersome regulation not only creates barriers to efficient markets, thereby discouraging competition and innovation, but also alienates citizens from government and can contribute to unfair income and wealth distribution.

Reflecting the importance of regulation in many areas of economic and social policy, the latest social partnership agreement, "Sustaining Progress", contains commitments to publish a White Paper on Regulation and introduce Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA). At EU level, the Better Regulation agenda has been gaining momentum in recent years, particularly in terms of the stated need, in the Lisbon objectives, to pursue a simpler regulatory environment. The European Commission is implementing an action plan on simplifying and improving the regulatory environment which Ireland is actively supporting.

This White Paper sets out core principles of good regulation. It also goes further: it sets out a programme of actions to give effect to these principles. I look forward to seeing these actions being implemented and to a new drive for economic competitiveness, social progress and better Government.

Bertie Ahern, T.D.

Taoiseach