A progress report by the high level group on regulation was published on www.betterregulation.ie in December 2002. This report outlines progress made in relation to the OECD's recommendations on regulatory reform. Since the report, work has continued in the Department of the Taoiseach on the drafting of a national policy statement/White Paper on regulatory reform and, I understand, it is expected to be published later this year. In the meantime, the high level group on regulation will continue to monitor and co-ordinate progress in this area.
Given the nature of the work of my Department, regulatory reform developments do not have a significant impact. My officials, however, will continue to monitor relevant issues arising and input to the ongoing reform programme.