Written answers

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Corporate Social Responsibility

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is preparing a national implementation plan on the Ruggie framework of UN guiding principles which includes as one of its priorities the recognition of living wages; the stage of the drafting of the national implementation plan; if he will attend the clean clothes campaign conference on floor wage taking place in Hong Kong in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52599/13]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 16 June 2011, the UN Human Rights Council endorsed "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations 'Protect, Respect and Remedy' Framework”, which were prepared by the Special Representative, Mr. John Ruggie. The document stresses that the Principles should be understood as a coherent whole which aim to enhance standards and practices with regard to business and human rights, rather than the creation of new international law obligations. The Guiding Principles do not prioritise particular issues but rather act as guidance for respecting and protecting human rights in the actions taken by states and businesses.

The Commission Communication of October 2011, entitled "A renewed EU strategy 2011-14 for Corporate Social Responsibility" invited EU member States to develop national plans for the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles. The EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, adopted by the Council of the European Union in June 2012, asked Member States to develop national plans on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles in 2013. The Guiding Principles cover a range of issues which, in this State, span the policy responsibilities of a number of Government Departments and agencies. Consideration is being given as to how best to formulate Ireland's national plan for their implementation, including through learning from other countries that have undertaken similar processes.

My Department does not currently have any information with respect to the conference to which the Deputy refers.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.