National CSR plan launched

A new national plan on corporate social responsibility over the next three years was launched today by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton.

According to the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the new plan – Good for Business, Good for the Community – supports one of its key objectives, which is to make Ireland the best small country in which to do business.

Specific measures in the plan include:

  • Establish a stakeholder forum to support the development of CSR in Ireland, in the first half of 2014;
  • Establish a baseline of CSR activity in Ireland, through the National Standards Association of Ireland;
  • Work with stakeholders to raise awareness of CSR and support best practice CSR;
  • Explore how IDA and Enterprise Ireland can promote CSR with their client companies;
  • And support programmes to develop CSR in the SME sector.

“We in Government are very conscious of the valuable role that corporate social responsibility can play in contributing to Ireland’s economic recovery,” said Minister Bruton. “Increasingly, good CSR practices are distinguishing the best companies from their competitors, and are having a positive impact on their competitiveness.  The way that businesses integrate social and environmental concerns into their engagement with customers, suppliers, employees and local communities is becoming hugely important to the sustainability of their business.”

The Minister said the plan outlines the key principles and objectives underpinning the Government’s approach to CSR, and sets out a series of actions for 2014.

“Resource efficiency, increased productivity, staff motivation, consumer confidence, trust and reputation are the main priorities for Irish business leaders,” said Tina Roche, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland, Ireland’s national network for corporate responsibility.

“The need for growth, jobs, particularly youth employment, environmental sustainability and social resilience at a time of economic difficulty are the foremost priorities of government. Corporate responsibility is uniquely positioned to contribute to these priorities and a robust national action plan driving its benefits for both business and society will help work towards ensuring its potential is realised.”

“Given the level of growth in CSR activities in Ireland over the last number of years, we are delighted that the Government has committed to fostering CSR by launching this plan,” said Chambers Ireland chief executive Ian Talbot. “We regard our role in promoting and highlighting best practice as one of great importance.

While we believe that it should remain a voluntary activity, guidance from the Government in this area will only strengthen the already large number of companies who embrace CSR across the country. Sustainable and responsible business practices have now become the norm rather than the exception and we encourage as many companies as possible to learn more about how they can get involved.”