Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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568. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures the Government has in place to ensure that no goods made using forced labour in Xinjiang, China are imported into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58927/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 prohibits the placing and making available of products made with forced labour on the EU market, as well as their export from the EU, regardless of the origin, sector, or company involved. The Regulation entered into force in December 2024 and will apply from December 2027. Ireland is fully committed to implementing this Regulation and is actively preparing to meet its obligations under the new framework.

Under the Regulation, the European Commission will lead investigations into products suspected of being made with forced labour outside the EU, while National Competent Authorities in each Member State will be responsible for cases within the EU.

My department, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is leading preparations for implementation. This includes collaboration with relevant bodies to ensure effective enforcement at the border and within the internal market. Work is ongoing to designate Ireland’s National Competent Authority or Authorities by December 2025, as required by the Regulation.

Preparatory work also includes Ireland’s participation in the Union Network Against Forced Labour Products, which will facilitate cooperation and information-sharing between Member States and the Commission.