IBEC welcome public consultation process on regulatory appeals

BUSINESS leaders welcomed yesterday’s announcement of a public consultation process on regulatory appeals.

IBEC head of legal and regulatory affairs Marie Daly said it was something that it was pushing for.

“There is a bitty structure in Ireland at the moment for regulatory appeals. This ranges from whether an appeal will be heard, when an appeal can be heard and where it can be heard. This disparate structure in regulatory appeals causes inconsistencies, delays and costs, which in turn cause a significant economic impact.”

Ms Daly who is also on the Business Regulatory Forum, who advises the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said that appeals can cause courts to be tied up and create a blockage in the economic system.

“There have been significant delays which mean lost opportunities for companies. A better appeals structure would help to take the frustration out of the system. It is better to have economic based decisions such as the regulatory heard by an expert group of specialists rather than a court. Cases would be heard much more quickly, it would be less costly and easy to get through.”

IBEC has called for people to have their voices heard in this three month consultation process, Ms Daly said.

“It is a chance for people to air their concerns.”

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern said: “The availability of efficient, effective and transparent appeals mechanisms is an important prerequisite for achieving quality regulation which in turn facilitates economic growth and promotes and protects the welfare of society.”

To help consideration of this issue, the Government published a paper on regulatory appeals. It focuses on appeals relating to the decisions of the major economic and sectoral regulatory authorities. A statement from the Taoiseach’s office said: “It is intended that the outcome of the consultation process will inform the design of appeals processes across the Public Service as a whole. It poses a number of important questions which are intended to encourage participation and assist respondents with their submissions.”

Details of getting a consultation paper will be advertised in the media over the next few days.