Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
193. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made by his Department in respect of its targets and goals set out in Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of his Department; if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7276/22]
View answerA renewed focus is currently being given to progress Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Substantial progress has been achieved in recent months in respect of reviewing Ireland’s implementation of Agenda 2030 and identifying key priorities and actions for inclusion in the next National Implementation Plan. It is intended that the draft Plan will be made available shortly and form the basis of discussion at the next SDG National Stakeholder Forum. This will allow for a final round of input from stakeholders prior to finalisation and publication.
Ireland has adopted a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with each Minister having responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their functions. My Department has responsibility for leading implementation of the following targets:
|
Target |
Description |
|
8.3 |
Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services |
|
8.5 |
By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value |
|
8.8 |
Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment |
|
8.b |
By 2020, develop and operationalise a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization |
|
9.2 |
Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries |
|
10.a |
Implement the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, in accordance with World Trade Organization agreements |
|
12.6 |
Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle |
Progress on the goals and targets is mainstreamed through the work of my Department. Progress on targets across Goals 8 and 9 has been made through my Department’s enterprise policy set out in enterprise policy initiatives in recent years including Enterprise 2025 Renewed, and continues to be made through the Economic Recovery Plan.
On target 12.6, my Department continues to work with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and other stakeholders, including the UN Global Compact, in relation to encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices. Continued action on this target will form part of the next National Implementation Plan.
