I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 40 together.
Ireland supports the simplification and burden reduction agenda at EU level. In the context of optimising the competitiveness of EU companies in the evolving global trading environment, I am supportive in principle of initiatives to simplify the reporting requirements and reduce costs on companies, most especially for SMEs.
In relation to the proposed changes to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive in the omnibus proposal, the proposed changes will significantly help enterprise in Ireland, and most of all our SMEs. I would welcome agreement of the proposed changes in the Omnibus on sustainability at the earliest opportunity in order to give business the legal certainty that it needs.
Consideration of the proposed changes including proposals in relation to human rights and environmental due diligence is ongoing at EU level. My Department will continue to assess the implications as discussions progress.