1013. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he will commission an independent review of Ireland’s industrial policy to identify measures that would increase productivity, strengthen indigenous enterprise and improve Ireland’s long-term economic resilience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60639/26]

The development of Enterprise 2035 provides an opportunity to consider the issues raised as part of a comprehensive review of the future direction of Ireland’s enterprise policy. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop Enterprise 2035 as a long term ambition for enterprise growth and job creation over the coming decade.

Building on the White Paper on Enterprise, the strategy will consider the longer-term reforms needed to ensure that Ireland’s enterprise policy framework remains future-ready and resilient, including in relation to productivity and the development and growth of indigenous enterprise.

This work is being informed by research and analysis covering Ireland’s enterprise and enterprise support systems, international industrial-policy developments, employment and skills, international economic trends, critical supply chains and strategic foresight.

A public consultation launched in late July 2026 invites views on productivity, enterprise resilience, innovation, future capabilities and skills, and changing global trade and investment patterns. Engagement is welcomed from businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, from indigenous SMEs to multinational enterprises. Further information is available on the Department’s website, and submissions remain open until 18 September 2026.

In addition the development of the Enterprise Strategy will be supplemented with review meetings and contributions 3 key groups, a D/ETE based Principal Officer group, an across Government departmental Senior Official group, and an Independent expert panel group comprising of C-suite officials from across various industry sectors.

In June 2025, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established. This Forum brings together business representatives across various sectors including indigenous enterprises, alongside senior officials across Government departments, regulators, and State agencies. The Forum has met 8 times throughout 2025 until April 2026, each meeting has focused on key areas of concern for businesses such as energy and security of supply, insurance costs, planning and infrastructure regulations, water and wastewater services costs, legal costs, reporting and compliance regulations as well as banking, payments, and financial services.

Representatives reiterated the real-world impacts of sustained and increasing cost pressures and regulatory demands on day-to-day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smaller enterprises. The final report and its recommendations, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross Government collaboration, will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.