Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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335. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the report on human rights and business. [19234/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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On the occasion of Human Rights Day, 10 December 2015, I was pleased to announce the publication of the Working Outline of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. The Working Outline has provided a basis for further consultations on the development of the National Plan.

During the first quarter of 2016 my Department hosted consultations on the Working Outline of Ireland’s National Plan which were attended by representatives of Government Departments, civil society, academics and the business community. The Department also issued an invitation for written submissions on the Working Outline; these submissions are available on the Department’s website.

The input received through these discussions and submissions is being reviewed in consultation with Government Departments and with a view to producing a first draft of the National Plan.

Ireland continues to engage in EU and UN discussions aimed at promoting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. On 20 June 2016 the Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions on Business and Human Rights. The Conclusions reaffirm the EU’s commitment to advancing the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

On 23 June 2016 Ireland also participated in discussions on Business and Human Rights which were held during the 32nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. We took this opportunity to highlight the contribution of human rights defenders and civil society organisations and the risks they face as well as the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in discussions on business and human rights.