Ireland

Foreword [page 5]

“The impact of business activity on the enjoyment of human rights is increasingly recognised. For employees and customers this can be direct and immediate, but other persons may be affected indirectly, for example by supply chain decisions.”

Section 2: Current legislative and Regulatory Framework

Supply Chain [page 15]

“The Government supports the proposal by the European Commission for an EU Council Regulation which provides for the establishment of an EU-wide system for supply chain due diligence of responsible importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas. The main objective of this proposal is to help reduce the financing of armed groups and security forces through mineral proceeds in conflict-affected and high-risk areas by supporting and further promoting responsible sourcing practices of EU companies. Of course, supply chain diligence is not limited to the extractive industries and areas of conflict.

Irish expertise has also been commissioned by multi-national corporations and technical cooperation programmes to undertake third party audits in the context of supply chain due diligence on factory standards. The design and implementation of a long-term building inspection and enforcement regime for all buildings in Bangladesh has, for example, been greatly assisted by Irish engineering expertise. Where possible, including through our Overseas Development Assistance, the Government will look to support such initiatives.”

Section 3: Actions

II. Initial priorities for the Business and Human Rights Implementation Group [page 18]

“xi. Encourage and facilitate the sharing of best practice on human rights due diligence, including effective supply chain audits.”

Annex 1 – List of additional and ongoing actions to be carried out across Government

EU and Multilateral Efforts [page 20]

“6. Support the implementation of the Regulation establishing an EU-wide system for supply chain due diligence of responsible importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.”