Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
332. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans Ireland has put in place to input and shape the proposed legislative initiative, given the commitment to a legislative initiative on human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40380/20]
View answer333. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is supportive of the legislative initiative in view of the commitment to a legislative initiative on human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40381/20]
View answer334. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the responsible Minister for the EU legislative initiative, given the commitment to a legislative initiative on human rights due diligence throughout the supply chain by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40382/20]
View answer335. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he will ensure that the action plan is developed with regard to mandatory due diligence as per the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40384/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 335, inclusive, together.
I welcome the proposed initiative on sustainable corporate governance brought forward by the EU Justice Commissioner. As set out by the Commission on its website (https://ec.europa.eu/) where it invites submissions from interested parties, “this initiative aims to improve the EU regulatory framework on company law and corporate governance. It would enable companies to focus on long-term sustainable value creation rather than short-term benefits.”
As the Deputy will be aware, company law and corporate governance do not fall within the remit of my Department and Ireland's engagement on this proposed EU corporate governance initiative is a matter for the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the first instance.
The implementation of the relevant Programme for Government commitments in this area is the subject of discussion between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I wish to reiterate my Department's continued commitment to work with all other relevant Government Departments to promote responsible business practices and reaffirm Ireland's role in supporting human rights globally.
