O’Shea Welcomes Progress of Cost of Business Advisory Forum Ahead of Budget 2027

Cork North-West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the significant progress made by the Government’s Cost of Business Advisory Forum, noting its importance in shaping future policy and informing decisions ahead of Budget 2027.

Deputy O’Shea said the Forum represents a vital platform for engaging directly with businesses across Ireland, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, who continue to face rising operational costs.

“The establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, as committed to in the Programme for Government 2025, was an important step in recognising the very real pressures facing businesses across the country. I welcome the substantial work undertaken by the Forum over the past number of months,” he said.

The Forum, convened by the Department and supported by Government of Ireland, has held nine meetings since last June, examining a broad range of cost drivers impacting businesses and identifying practical measures to help mitigate these challenges.

Its central objective has been to facilitate structured, solution-focused engagement between enterprise representative bodies, Government Departments, and State Agencies. This has enabled business owners and sectoral representatives to communicate directly with policymakers on the real-world impact of rising costs, regulatory burdens, and operational challenges.

A series of thematic meetings addressed key areas including energy costs and security of supply, insurance, planning and infrastructure, water services, legal costs, reporting and compliance requirements, and banking and financial services.

Deputy O’Shea highlighted the importance of this collaborative approach.

“This Forum has created a valuable space for constructive dialogue between businesses and decision-makers. It is essential that we continue to listen carefully to those on the ground and ensure that policy responses are practical, targeted, and effective,” he said.

The most recent meeting of the Forum, held on 22^nd April, focused on finalising its report and recommendations. Business representatives emphasised the ongoing impact of rising costs on day-to-day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for SMEs, and stressed the need for both immediate and longer-term actions to reduce cost pressures.

The final report, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross-government collaboration, is expected to be presented to Government before the summer recess.

Deputy O’Shea said the report will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting Irish enterprise.

“The findings and recommendations of this Forum will be critically important as we look ahead to Budget 2027 and beyond. Our priority must be to support a competitive, resilient, and sustainable business environment, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that are the backbone of our economy,” he said.

“I look forward to the publication of the report and to ensuring that its recommendations are fully considered as part of future policy development,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.

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