Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have been working on the Santa Claus issue for a number of weeks. It is important to point out to all children in the country that we regard the travels of Santa Claus as essential travel for essential purposes, so he is exempt from the need to self-quarantine for 14 days and should be able to come in and out of Irish airspace and homes without having to restrict his movements. However, children should not stay up at night because he needs to socially distance. People need to keep at least 2 m away at all stages to ensure they keep him and children safe. He is exempt and he is coming. He has confirmed that and appreciates the fact that Ireland has ensured that in a very different Christmas in 2020 the visit of Santa Claus will remain consistent.

On the less important issues, in November 2017, my Department launched the inaugural national plan on business and human rights, to begin the process of implementing the UN guiding principles on business and human rights. The plan is a whole-of-Government initiative. It aims to promote responsible business practices at home and overseas by all Irish business enterprises, in line with Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights globally. The plan is directed at Government and State agencies, Irish companies operating at home and overseas and multinational enterprises operating in Ireland. The Department has established an independently chaired business and human rights implementation group to oversee implementation of the national plan. The group was convened in December 2018 and given a three-year mandate, expiring in December 2021. Its first meeting took place in January 2019. Membership consists of representatives from civil society, academia, the business community and Government Departments and agencies.

The programme for Government commits to a review of the implementation of the national plan. My officials are currently examining the options for giving effect to this commitment, having regard to the structural changes to my Department upon the formation of the new Government. Although the implementation group is mandated to meet twice per year, it will convene four meetings in 2020. It should also be noted that the UN working group on business and human rights is currently reviewing implementation of the UN guiding principles in UN member states, with a view to charting a course for the next decade of action.

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