Seamus Kirk
Question:26. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the way he proposes to reduce costs for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51850/12]
View answerThursday, 22 November 2012
Questions (26)
Written answers
Some operating costs for business are largely outside the control of Government. For example, fuel and energy prices are primarily driven by external factors such as global fossil fuel prices. However, the Government’s approach has been to identify those areas of policy it can influence to bring about cost reductions or provide supports to business.
The Action Plan for Jobs 2012 includes an extensive range of measures across Government which will help to reduce costs and support job creation. These include:
- reforming the statutory wage setting mechanisms;
- reducing the administrative burden on business;
- placing downward pressure on insurance costs through the enactment of the Legal Services Bill;
- encouraging all professionals to supply quotes in advance to business customers;
- providing supports to businesses to improve their energy and resource costs;
- introducing a mechanism to allow small companies to apply to the Circuit Court, rather that the High Court, to have an Examiner appointed;
- encouraging local authorities to exercise restraint in the setting of commercial rates.
Updates on these, and all other commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs, are detailed in the Quarterly Progress Reports on the Plan which are available on my Department’s website, www.enterprise.gov.ie.
The most recent report published by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), in July of this year - “Ireland's Competitiveness Scorecard” - acknowledged that improvements have taken place in Ireland’s cost competitiveness, particularly in relation to labour costs and property costs. However, the NCC also advised that Ireland must maintain focus and continue to reduce costs to business.
Further measures to achieve the structural reforms identified by the NCC to improve our competitiveness will be contained in the 2013 Action Plan for Jobs which I am currently preparing in consultation with my Government colleagues.