The need for effective human rights due diligence mechanisms is one of the issues under consideration by the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group. It is looking at a variety of options, including mandatory measures, in line with similar provisions in other countries. I will await the outcome of the Implementation Group's deliberations on this issue before moving forward with specific policy proposals.
However, a number of mechanisms that address responsible business conduct and respect for human rights are already in place. The EU Directive on Disclosure of Non-Financial and Diversity Information (2014/95/EU) requires large companies to publish reports on the policies they implement including with regard to environmental protection, social responsibility and treatment of employees, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery and diversity on company boards. The Directive has been transposed into Irish law through the European Union (Disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups) Regulations 2017, as amended by the European Union (Disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups) (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
Other relevant existing international mechanisms include the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Tripartite Declaration on Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.