Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Regulatory Reform.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

148 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, he has for a package of measures on regulatory reform; if he will outline the main features of his Department's customer services action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1902/98]

The Taoiseach:

I refer the Deputy to my reply to an identical question on 18 November 1997, in which I dealt at length with the issues he raises. I am circulating a copy of the reply, together with the report of the Dáil debate on that occasion with this reply.

On 7 November 1997, I delivered the opening address to an IPA conference on governance and accountability in the public sector. In the course of my speech I mentioned a number of measures which I would like to see being advanced, including a package of measures on regulatory reform to remove the barriers for important economic sectors such as small and medium enterprises and to provide clarity and accessibility to ordinary citizens. The SMI working group on regulatory reform has made recommendations in this area which are under consideration at present. A package of measures, drawing on these recommendations, is now being developed for implementation in 1998. The next step is consultation with Government Departments and offices. The timing of the introduction of these measures will be an important factor because of a number of other initiatives which are in train in Departments and offices under the SMI/Partnership 2000 modernisation programme, including preparation of statements of strategy, compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and development of a performance management system.

As I indicated to the Dáil on 18 November 1997, the regulatory reform measures being considered include the possibility of introducing a statement of impact assessment for each new regulation which would help to measure the cost of compliance, particularly where economic competitiveness may be affected. Similarly, the question of a quality regulation checklist is being considered which would help to ensure that new regulations being imposed meet certain minimum requirements in terms of clarity of purpose and understandable language. Another of the measures is aimed at ensuring that there is adequate consultation with the public and-or specific interest groups prior to implementation of new regulations. Some of these issues are already being tackled by Departments and offices through the quality customer service initiative, for example, ensuring that information is accessible, providing clear guides to services and schemes and maintaining ongoing dialogue with customers.

On the subject of quality customer service, the Deputy also inquires as to the main features of the customer services action plan for the Department of the Taoiseach which I was pleased to launch on Wednesday 12 November. The plan has a number of key features as follows: it sets out clear details of the services which are provided and the structures to deliver those services; it specifies the standards which have been set and which will be achieved over the next two years for the delivery of these services; it details the arrangements for getting in touch with my Department by telephone, letter and personal visit; it explains the arrangements for consulting with customers on the services being provided; and it outlines the arrangements for monitoring and review on a regular basis and for reporting on the achievement of targets.

This action plan was developed in consultation with the staff of the Department of the Taoiseach. Everyone working in the Department recognises and is committed to their role in achieving the commitments contained in the plan. Where necessary changes to systems and structures, including allocation of resources, will be made in support of the delivery of a quality service. There are no proposals to appoint additional staff to oversee the implementation of the plan.