Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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435. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he can advise on a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1326/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Due diligence in the clothing industry represents a commitment to responsible practices that prioritise economic, environmental, and social progress. By integrating due diligence into their operations, businesses can not only mitigate risks but also contribute positively to global efforts in sustainability and ethical governance.

Due diligence is a critical component of responsible business conduct (RBC) as outlined in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) on RBC. These guidelines provide non-binding recommendations for multinational businesses to address the potential adverse impacts of their activities on workers, human rights, the environment, consumer protection, bribery, and corporate governance. In the context of the clothing industry, due diligence serves as a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating risks while fostering sustainable development.

For businesses operating in the clothing industry, practical steps for implementing due diligence include identifying risks across operations, supply chains, and business relationships. This involves evaluating potential adverse impacts and establishing measures to mitigate them effectively.

Circularity and waste management are emerging priorities within the clothing industry, driven by growing concerns over environmental sustainability. In 2022, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) established a Textiles Advisory Group as a sub-Group of the It consists of relevant industry, community and regulatory representatives to identify opportunities to capitalise on the value of textiles present in Ireland and explore options to improve future circularity in the sector.

With highly complex supply chains spanning multiple countries, the clothing industry faces unique challenges related to labour conditions, environmental impact, and ethical sourcing. To address these issues, the OECD introduced the Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector in 2017. This landmark framework, supported by over 50 governments and aligned with international standards such as those from the UN and the ILO, offers a pragmatic yet ambitious approach to preventing and addressing negative impacts within the sector. It is designed to be adaptable for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to tailor due diligence processes to their specific operational contexts. The collaborative and adaptable nature of the OECD framework ensures that companies have the tools and support needed to navigate the complexities of this dynamic sector.

Further information can be found on the OECD website - .