Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland is working through the international organisations of which we are a member. Two distinct approaches are being adopted. One is the instrument developed with the help of the ILO, the Bangladesh national tripartite plan of action on fire safety in the ready-made garment industry, which followed an accident in 2012. It was supported by the ILO, on foot of which the mission was sanctioned to travel to Bangladesh to see if it was being properly implemented by all those involved, including the government and industry. The European Union is putting support in place to ensure its delivery.

The Deputy referred to another agreement which was developed by non-governmental organisations and trade unions. It involves a voluntary sign-up by companies. Some companies have signed up to it but others have not. It is not an international instrument to which people can be obliged to accede. However, like the European Parliament, I urge companies to comply with high standards such as those expressed in that agreement.

We fully support what the ILO and the European Union are doing and will use our role within these organisations to promote this issue.

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