Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It was promised that this directive on corporate sustainability due diligence would ensure that EU companies undertook due diligence and checks along their full supply lines to prevent environmental abuses and human rights violations. The aims behind the directive were welcomed by progressive politicians, trade unionists, environmental groups and human rights groups. As it stands, however, unfortunately the law falls far short of what is needed to protect workers, communities and our environment. The directive falls short of what we need because it will only apply to companies with an annual turnover of €150 million and more than 500 employees and companies in high-risk industries such as agriculture and fashion with more than 250 employees. Will the Minister of State outline for me the clear policy position of the Irish Government on this corporate sustainability and due diligence directive? Will Ireland act at European level to raise the ambition of this directive and address the weaknesses that have been highlighted? The Minister of State said he met representatives of the ICBHR. I am sure it has outlined to him the weaknesses in this proposal. The Minister of State should indicate what is our position and what we are doing to address those weaknesses.

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