Minister Calleary hosts inaugural meeting of the Responsible Business Forum

27th September 2023

Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today convened the first meeting of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s newly established Responsible Business Forum, which is comprised of representatives with relevant expertise from key business bodies. 

At the inaugural meeting this morning the Minister and officials from the Department provided an overview of the specific responsible business issues and initiatives under the Department’s remit that are in place or being developed at national and EU level.

The forum will provide a platform to discuss these initiatives, how they will impact on businesses and what will be expected of businesses that fall within their scope. Discussions will also focus on available supports to assist businesses in the adoption of the initiatives and the positive outcomes for early adopters.   

Minister Calleary said:

“Over the past number of years, we are seeing an increased focus and heightened expectations from all quarters on the need for businesses to put responsible practices in place. The EU has been spearheading some of these initiatives which will impact how our businesses operate.  These initiatives are imperative to help us navigate the new realities of the world today.

“ESG is not a buzzword and the Responsible Business Forum serves as a platform for businesses, large and small, to engage and input into Ireland’s position, as engagement on these important issues progresses. 

"While the implementation of these various EU initiatives will bring challenges, it is important to remember there are also opportunities to be grasped.  By embedding a responsible business ethos at the heart of the business, Irish companies can enhance their reputation among consumers and within supply chains, adding to our competitiveness, and strengthening our ability to attract and retain talent.”

Minister Calleary concluded:

“What is clear from all of this is that all businesses, large and small, have a part to play in operating responsibly and that we in Government and in our agencies can also play our role as allies and advocates for this broad agenda, placing it where it belongs at the heart of our national strategy for enterprise growth and for inward investment. By working together to advance and make changes collectively, I am hopeful that we can collectively make a difference”. 

ENDS

Note: The scope of the Responsible Business Forum’s remit is covered on the dedicated Responsible Business webpage. 

Membership of the Responsible Business Forum

ENDS

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