Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2013
45. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the measures that have been taken to reduce the number of licences required by businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9089/13]
View answer47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress that has been made in reducing the multiplicity of licences required by businesses on foot of the Forfás report last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9074/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 47 together.
The Forfás report on "The Review and Audit of Licences", which recommends the introduction of an integrated licensing system, was discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Jobs on 17 December 2012 and 14 January 2013. The committee, which is chaired by An Taoiseach, considered an action plan for the introduction of such a system and agreed that an integrated licensing system for the retail sector be delivered by the end of this year.
The Government considers this project to be of significant importance. Such an integrated licensing system is a reformative step in reducing the administrative burdens for business. Delivering an integrated licensing system, in the first instance for the retail sector will require the firm and on-going commitment and engagement of the relevant licensing authorities to work closely with my Department and with Forfás.
A list of 30 core licences for the retail sector have been identified for the initial stages of this project involving up to 16 licensing authorities. My colleague Minister John Perry has invited all these authorities at the highest level to become members of the Steering Group for this project; the Steering Group will begin meeting shortly. Minister Perry will chair this group.
Furthermore, an audit of the statutory obligations and required administrative processes of those core licences identified for the retail sector is underway. This audit includes:
- A review of all the information that is required for each licence in terms of application, renewal and compliance.
- An assessment/understanding of the current systems for approval, authorisation, record keeping, security and personnel engaged.
- Further analysis to identify those licences that can be amalgamated / integrated.
- A review of the current underpinning IT frameworks.
The outputs of this audit process will inform the definition of an integrated licence management system that will include the technical infrastructure design, the detailed system design and security and risk analysis.
Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 45.
