Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Test returns from the Department of Social Protection
- Published on: 31 October 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
- What an SME Test is
- SME Test Returns
- Link to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment SME Tests page
Following the government decision of 14 May 2024 (S180/20/10/2534A), any major new measure from government will be assessed for its impact on small business through an enhanced SME Test.
What an SME Test is
The SME Test is a tool that has been designed to assist policymakers consider the SME perspective when making any new policies, legislation (primary or secondary), or regulatory compliance requirements.
The objective of the SME Test is to ensure the ease of use, understanding and application of regulatory requirements for SMEs. The Test is designed to promote best practice in managing the regulatory burden on the SME sector.
The SME Test helps to identify disproportionate impacts on SMEs and encourages policymakers to propose alternative policy options or mitigating measures to minimise impacts and to ensure that the regulatory environment allows SMEs to operate, grow and scale-up.
SME Test Returns
Link to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment SME Tests page
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment officials have developed the new enhanced SME Test.