Regulatory Impact Assessment Usage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Questions (366)

Robert Troy

Question:

366. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the action he proposes to take in view of the fact that no regulatory impact assessment was conducted objectively into the review the draft tobacco products directive despite the fact that all Government Departments are mandated to conduct a regulatory impact analysis to objectively look at legislative proposals and examine the reasons for same; the alternatives to it; the cost and the benefits; his views on whether the failure to conduct the impact assessment means that the Government has failed to take into account the impact of the EU proposals in the draft directive on 120 local jobs in a Mullingar factory, County Westmeath, despite jobs being a top priority of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21090/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In line with the Regulatory Impact Assessment Guidelines (RIA) published by the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department is undertaking a Regulatory Impact Analysis on the Tobacco Products Directive Proposal. A key element of the RIA process is consultation with key stakeholders. As you are aware a Public Consultation on the Tobacco Products Directive took place earlier this year and my Department has consulted and is continuing to consult with other key Government Departments in relation to this matter. As the Deputy is aware this proposal is currently under discussion by all Member States and at this stage no conclusion has been reached on the particular Article of the Directive which relates to the industry referred to in your question.