As I have previously indicated, I recognise the importance of businesses having due regard to how their operations can impact on human rights. This is a moral and ethical requirement that is very much in line with societal and stakeholder expectations. Businesses in Ireland have responded well since Ireland launched its first National Plan on Business and Human Rights (2017 - 2020) in late 2017.
Ireland was the 19th state in the world to develop a National Plan. In December 2021, a review of the implementation of the Plan was brought to Government. It found that over 91% of commitments under the Plan were achieved, with plans in place to implement the remainder.
Stakeholder engagement is an important part of developing the second National Plan. In advance of initiating the new forum, a public consultation took place seeking the opinions of interested stakeholders to inform the development of the second Plan. Eleven submissions, from business representatives, trade unions, human rights organisations and academia were received as part of a public consultation process which took place over the summer. My Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs have reviewed these submissions, which include a range of recommendations on the scope of the plan and monitoring and implementation structures.
Both Departments are now working closely together to re-convene a Business and Human Rights stakeholder forum, involving representatives of Government, civil society and business, including officials from both Departments. Both Departments have identified participants for this group, which will include business representatives. The stakeholder group will convene a meeting shortly to discuss common themes emerging from the submissions and determine a viable pathway forward for the development and implementation of a second Plan.
The new Plan is expected to cover a multi-annual timeframe as was covered in the first Plan. The new National Plan is intended to build on the achievements of the first National Plan, while reflecting new developments in the international understanding of business and human rights, including new EU instruments. It will also align with the commitment in the Programme for Government to ‘ensure that the Action Plan on Business and Human Rights is further developed to review whether there is a need for greater emphasis on mandatory due diligence’.
