Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
367. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that textiles, clothes or materials which are imported into Ireland are not made using forced labour in any jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he has taken to ensure that products manufactured using forced labour in other jurisdictions are not imported into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that textiles, clothes or materials which are imported into Ireland are not made using forced labour in any jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra376. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he has taken to ensure that products manufactured using forced labour in other jurisdictions are not imported into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51559/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 367, 368, 375 and 376 together.
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 Revenue (Customs) and other 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.
