Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
86 Mr. P. Breen asked the Taoiseach if his Department proposes, as part of the better regulation process, to prepare guidelines on consultation in like manner to the code of practice on consultation prepared earlier in 2004 by the Cabinet Office in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19175/04]
View answer87 Mr. P. Breen asked the Taoiseach his views on whether, in all future instances involving proposed regulation or regulatory change whereby property rights are being restricted or curtailed, it will be necessary in keeping with the principles of better regulation both to consult fully all affected landowners and conduct a regulatory impact analysis with particular reference to the impact of the proposals on the stakeholders in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19176/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The Government White Paper on better regulation, "Regulating Better", sets out an action plan outlining the steps that will be taken to implement the principles of better regulation, including publication of guidelines on consultation and the piloting and introduction of regulatory impact analysis. The precise form and content of the guidelines on consultation will be a matter for the better regulation group of senior officials when it commences work in the coming weeks. I expect that it will have regard to all examples of good practice from other EU and OECD member states. I will ensure that the group is made aware of the document recommended by the Deputy.
With regard to regulatory impact analysis, RIA, it is proposed first to pilot and then mainstream a system, whereby Government Departments and offices can gain a better understanding of the likely impacts of proposed legislation. My Department has a role in developing the overall system that will be used. Beyond that, the application of RIA to specific legislative proposals is a matter for individual Departments and offices and it is one in which I have no function.
With regard to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, my Department has no plans to introduce legislation affecting the property rights of landowners. It will be a matter for the Department and office which is sponsoring the legislation to apply guidelines on consultation and on RIA in an appropriate fashion when they have been developed.
