Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
100. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the report on Human Rights and Business will be progressed and disseminated in order to inform Irish businesses of same. [14053/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has responsibility for the operationalisation of a number of actions set out in the National Plan on Business and Human Rights which was launched in November 2017. One of the initial tasks is to establish a Business and Human Rights Implementation Group, to consist of representatives from Government, the business community and civil society. It is envisaged that the group will meet twice a year to review implementation of the National Plan. Work is underway to establish the Group and my Department is liaising with stakeholders, including members of the business community, in this regard.
A key priority is to identify an individual with a strong track record in the promotion of human rights in a business environment to chair the Group. Preliminary work has also been undertaken to commission a baseline assessment which will complete a comprehensive study of the legislation and regulatory framework relating to business and human rights as it applies in Ireland.
My Department will convene a forum on Business and Human Rights within two years of the adoption on the plan in 2017. This will aim to bring together stakeholders including government, members of the business community and civil society to facilitate the exchange of views on progress regarding the delivery of the plan.
In addition, and in accordance with the plan, Business and Human Rights has been added as a regular item on the agendas of both the Inter-Departmental Committee on Human Rights and the DFAT NGO Standing Committee and will be discussed at upcoming meetings of both bodies.
