Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any recent discussions she has had with industry representatives, reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses.
Minister for the Economy: I regularly engage with representatives from business and industry, including organisations representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as the Federation of Small Businesses. Regular engagement also takes place through the Economic Vision Engagement Forum and the Labour Relations Agency Engagement Forum.
My Department applies Better Regulation principles when developing or implementing policy, including early engagement with stakeholders, proportionate regulation, and assessment of costs and benefits. Where stakeholders identify particular regulatory barriers or impacts, my officials will give careful consideration, and where regulation is necessary, officials will always seek to minimise any additional administrative burdens placed on SMEs.
I will continue to meet industry representatives and to ensure that the views of small businesses are reflected in policy development and implementation.
ENDS
Your MLA 