Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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407. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will report on his recent trade mission to Bahrain; his views on the European Union's strategic framework on human rights, which advocates promotion of human rights in trade and investment; and the way human rights were dealt with in his recent visit to Bahrain. [21262/15]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I have not participated in a trade mission to Bahrain this year. I also understand that Enterprise Ireland has not organised or planned any trade mission to Bahrain during 2015.

With regard to the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world, this is a priority for the Government and cooperation with our European Union partners provides an important and effective channel through which to promote and protect human rights worldwide.

Political clauses in agreements with third countries, which aim at promoting the EU’s values and political principles, constitute a tool at EU level that gives leverage for implementing EU external policy objectives, including respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law. Such agreements include, inter alia, Framework Agreements, Association Agreements, Trade Agreements and Partnership and Cooperation Agreements.

The EU’s approach on international human rights issues is informed by the comprehensive EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy adopted in 2012. Ireland was actively engaged in its formulation at that time. The EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy asked Member States to develop national plans on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles in 2013.

The Government decided on 24 June 2014 that Ireland would develop a national plan for the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is leading the development of the plan.

An inter-departmental working group has been formed consisting of focal points from each Government Department and state agencies. The National Plan on Business and Human Rights will build on Ireland’s National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility which was published by my Department in April 2014.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade NGO Forum on Human Rights which took place on 7 November 2014 marked the start of the consultation process on Ireland’s National Plan. The Forum provided an opportunity for business, NGOs, trade unions and academics to exchange views on best practices in relation to Business and Human Rights and in particular with a view to informing the process of development and the content of a Plan to implement the UNGPS.

That Department also invited submissions from interested parties and received 30 submissions from civil society and the business community. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is now in the process of drafting Ireland’s National Plan on Business and Human Rights and I look forward to considering it when drafted.