Template for Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA)
Note: This template aims to be an aide for officials starting a RIA but it is
essential that it is used in conjunction with the Revised RIA Guidelines which are
available on www.betterregulation.ie. The Guidelines supply detailed guidance
and advice on conducting RIA and includes practical examples of RIA in use.
It is important to note that the level of detail required and the analytical approach
to be taken must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the
significance of the legislative proposal. The greater the importance or
significance of the proposal, the more analysis will be required.
STEP 1: Summary of RIA
[This summary sheet should be completed for all RIAs to capture key information
about the regulatory proposal being brought forward and the options considered.
For more information see page 14 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
Summary of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA)
Department/Office:
Title of Legislation:
Stage:
(e.g. internal draft, consultation,
General Scheme of Bill, Text of Bill)
Related Publications:
Available to view or download at:
http://www.
Contact for enquiries:
Date:
Telephone:
What policy options have been considered? Please summarise the costs,
benefits and impacts relating to each of the option below and indicate whether a
preferred option has been identified.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Preferred Option:
COSTS
1
2
3
4
OPTIONS
BENEFITS
IMPACTS
STEP 2: Description of Policy Context and Objectives
Describe policy context and objectives
[Include information on the background to the issue, what the particular policy
problem or challenge is, why it must be addressed now and what the proposal
intended to achieve. You may also wish to include information on existing
legislative provisions and any relevant data/statistics in relation to the issue.
More detailed information should be provided for in Appendices.
Explicitly state the objectives. Differentiate between ultimate objectives and
immediate objectives and focus on immediate objectives.
For more information see page 16 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
STEP 3: Identification and Description of Options
Identify and examine options
[Identify and describe options (usually this means a minimum of three should be
examined) including the “no policy change” option. Alternatives to regulation/
alternative models of regulation should be considered wherever possible.
For more information see page 18 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
STEP 4: Analysis of Costs, Benefits and Impacts for ALL Options
Conduct a detailed and rigorous analysis of costs, benefits and impacts using
multi-criteria analysis and formal cost benefit analysis where possible.
[Conduct a robust and structured analysis of costs, benefits and impacts. Identify
costs, benefits and other impacts of all identified options. Monetise or quantify
these impacts. Take account of direct and indirect costs and benefits and initial
and ongoing costs and benefits including compliance costs. Describe clearly
who benefits and who bears the cost. For more significant proposals, conduct a
robust and structured analysis and use formal Cost-Benefit Analysis where
possible. Take account of risk and spell out any assumptions made in estimating
costs and benefits.
For more information see page 21 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
Examine the following impacts [Delete headings as appropriate]
a) National competitiveness
b) The socially excluded and vulnerable groups
c) The environment
d) Whether there is a significant policy change in an economic market,
including consumer and competition impacts
e) The rights of citizens
f) Compliance Burdens
g) North-South and East-West Relations
For more information see page 26 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
STEP 5: Consultation
Conduct a structured open consultation process. Report on who was consulted,
the views raised and respond to these where possible.
[Conduct a consultation process. Ensure a reasonable time frame for responses
and ensure that the consultation process is open and accessible. Outline who
was consulted, the views they expressed and how these were reflected in the
proposals.
For more information see page 32 of the Revised RIA Guidelines and Reaching
Out: Guidelines on Consultation for Public Sector Bodies which is available on
the Better Regulation website (www.betterregulation.ie).]
STEP 6: Enforcement and Compliance
Examine in detail enforcement and compliance issues for ALL options being
considered including who will enforce the proposals and the resources necessary
for enforcement.
[Describe the enforcement arrangements. What agency/body is to be charged
with enforcement? Has this been agreed? Detail how the Better Regulation
principles of consistency and accountability are to be achieved under the
enforcement regime. What are the compliance targets? How are these best
achieved? Are there sufficient resources for effective enforcement? If
inspections are planned, how are these being targeted?
For more information see page 32 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
STEP 7: Review
Identify mechanisms for review and performance indicators for ALL options.
Outline the data sources which will be used to report on these indicators.
[Outline review mechanisms (e.g. Annual Reports, reports to Oireachtas
Committees, stakeholder surveys, etc). Specify performance indicators for each
option. Identify the mechanisms for measuring these and the data which will be
used.
For more information see page 34 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]
STEP 7: Publication
Publish RIA on Departmental website
[If a Department’s website already has a legislation page, the RIA should be
published next to the relevant piece of legislation on this page. If no such page
exists, RIAs must be published on a dedicated RIA page along with a link to the
legislation to which they relate.
For more information see page 34 of the Revised RIA Guidelines]