Mr. Shane Conneely:

Specifically on the CSRD, we have engaged with our partners in Brussels in the Eurochambres network since before this was a directive. We are very concerned about it. Our ask is that there be some kind of voluntary SME-level reporting available because it would give standardisation across the network. One issue for businesses across Europe is that they are in the value chains of these larger firms. Some have environmental, social and governance, ESG, commitments which are not the same as the CSRD commitments. That means they have to report on sustainability anyway, and for every one of their customers, they have to report in a different way, which is creating loss of business for many operations. Some kind of a standardised framework would be very useful.

On disabilities, we acknowledge we are part of Employers for Change. Supports available for people with disabilities could do with a refresh. Currently, the supports are for employers to employ people with disabilities, not for the individuals who have disabilities. That person could work remotely from home, could get the supports they need to facilitate them working from home and working remotely, and could then have their pick of employers at that point, which would help that particular system. Those are our two asks in those areas.