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News Archive 2002
There are 7 stories split over 2 pages
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Postcard Campaign
...ignoring a problem
There are an estimated 13,000 problem heroin users and more then 10,000 people homeless in Ireland today. Ignoring these statistics will not make then go away. Merchants Quay Ireland provides a wide range of services for individuals, communities and families affected by homelessness and problem drug use.
5 Quay Policies to unlock the problems of the Homelessness and Drugs Crisis...
Homelessness
- Establish a clear right to Housing
- Sufficient affordable housing
- Prevent eviction due to poverty
- Fast response to homeless situations
- Additional support for homeless people with special needs
Drugs Crisis
- Public Health Safety Strategies to reduce the risks associated with drug use
- New services aimed at reducing drug related harm
- Improved access to Drug Treatment Services
- Investment in re-integration of former drug users
- Additional support for drug users with special needs.
HRH, the Prince of Wales meets Irish Chief Executives to discuss Corporate Social Responsibility
14th February 2002
PRESS RELEASE
On February 14, 2002, 22 Chief Executives of key Irish companies gathered in the premises of Merchant's Quay Ireland to discuss corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its relevance for business at a special event attended by HRH, the Prince of Wales.
Patron of Business in the Community - UK since 1985, Prince Charles was keen to meet the founder members of Business in the Community - Ireland during his visit. Discussing two of the most important issues now facing Irish society, Drugs & Homelessness, Prince Charles and the heads of some of the most influential Irish businesses shared some of the ways in which business input can make a difference and how these can be improved.
Merchant's Quay Ireland provides a good example of corporate community involvement, one of the four main elements of CSR. They have sought and received considerable support from the business community, not just in the form of financial donations, but through investments of expertise, training and business acumen.
According to Prince Charles:
"it is an inspiration to see Chief Executives of Irish businesses providing leadership in CSR, an issue that is facing the global business community. All of the companies represented here are in some way working in partnership with community groups throughout Ireland and are donating their skills, time and resources. It is this kind of partnership that makes all the difference in tackling problems of social exclusion".
Business in the Community - Ireland was founded in January 2000 and is a unique movement of companies within Ireland (and affiliated internationally) committed to continually improving their impact on society. The 22 member companies driving forward the movement of corporate social responsibility in Ireland are: Aer Rianta, AIB, Anglo Irish Bank, An Post, Bank of Ireland, C&C, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, Coillte, Eagle Star, Eircom, Ericsson, Esat Group, ESB, Green Isle Foods, Guinness, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, Marks & Spencer, National Irish Bank, Penneys and Tesco.
Steve Costello, Chairperson of Business in the Community - Ireland said:
"we are delighted to be co-hosting with Merchant's Quay HRH Prince Charles on this occasion to celebrate the commitment of Irish business to corporate social responsibility. It is superb that there are 22 Founder Members of Business in the Community - Ireland but we have a long way to go. We are targeting the Top 70 companies in Ireland over the next two years.
Corporate Social Responsibility is a challenging and wide-ranging issue combining both business and community excellence. Although a lot of commitment is needed, the benefits to business are great, not least improved competitiveness, a strong workforce and most importantly, an enhanced reputation".
Addressing the Prince of Wales on behalf of Merchants Quay Ireland, Fr. Gerry Raftery, Justice Director said:
"As a supporter of Business in the Community you remind those involved in business that there is such a thing as society and that 'community' is at its heart. An economy may appear to be interested only in producers, consumers, investment and profit but 'community' must be more holistic in its approach and business has a vital role to play. Your presence reminds business of its corporate social responsibilities and business must strive to create an environment that puts people first and creates a place for those who find it difficult to belong."
The following member companies of Business in the Community - Ireland have been specifically involved in a number of ways with Merchant's Quay Ireland: Aer Rianta, An Post, AIB, Bank of Ireland, Esat Group, ESB, KPMG & Guinness.
Background Information
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provides the foundations of an integrated approach that combine economic, social and environmental interest to their mutual benefit.
Business in the Community - Ireland supports its member companies to integrate socially responsible business practices in the areas of the workplace, marketplace, community and the environment. Services to members include CSR Policy & Practice, Employer Supported Volunteering, the Schools Business Partnership and the Linkage Programme.
Further information on BITC - Ireland is available from Darina Eades, CSR Policy & Practice Executive at 00 353 1 874 7232 and at http://www.bitc.ie
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