Vol. 450 No. 7
26 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the plans, if any, he has to encourage companies to develop more effective social and eco auditing to improve social and environmental protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5355/95]
These are objectives set out in the Government programme. My colleague, the Minister for the Environment has, I understand, in a recent response to a question from the Deputy, outlined the plans to foster development of best environmental management practice, starting with the public sector. I am considering what further steps can be taken to prepare industry to meet the stricter environmental standards and to develop the commercial opportunities from better environmental standards, and I hope to take initiatives in this area. In so far as social auditing is concerned, the matter will be considered in conjunction with the social partners in the context of the special unit signalled in the Programme for Government to assist in the development of improved management-employee relationships at the level of the enterprise.
