Modern Slavery Statement

Modern slavery is the exploitation of people who cannot refuse or leave work due to threats, coercion, deception, or abuse of power. It removes an individual’s freedom and dignity, often trapping them in situations where they have little or no choice over their working or living conditions. While sometimes hidden, modern slavery can occur at any stage of the supply chain – from the extraction of raw materials, through manufacturing and construction, to logistics, cleaning, catering, and other service provision. Even sectors considered low risk can be affected through complex subcontracting or international sourcing.

Modern slavery takes many forms, including:

• Forced labour – where individuals are compelled to work against their will, often under threat of violence, penalty, or intimidation.
• Human trafficking – the recruitment, transportation, or harbouring of people for the purpose of exploitation.
• Debt bondage – where workers are forced to work to repay debts that are manipulated or impossible to clear.
• Child labour – the use of children in work that is harmful, exploitative, or interferes with their education and development.
• Exploitation through control – such as withholding wages, confiscating identity documents, restricting movement, or threatening deportation.

Iarnród Éireann requires that its suppliers and business partners can demonstrate that they have clear measures and processes in place to:

• Prevent exploitation in their operations and supply chains.
• Comply with Irish and EU law on forced labour and trafficking.
• Maintain transparency by disclosing risks and mitigation measures when requested.
• Cooperate with audits and requests for information.
• Report any suspected cases immediately.
• Cascade standards to subcontractors and lowertier suppliers.
• Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in investigation, contract termination, and exclusion from future tenders.

Reporting Concerns

Key Legislation

All Suppliers and Business Partners of Iarnród Éireann must comply with the following:

• EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (2024): Requires businesses to identify and address human rights risks, including forced labour.
• EU Forced Labour Regulation (2023): Products made with forced labour may be investigated and banned from the EU market.
• Irish Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 (as amended): Criminalises trafficking for labour or sexual exploitation.
• EU Procurement Directives (2014/24/EU, transposed into Irish law): Suppliers found guilty of trafficking or child labour must be excluded from public contracts.