Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023
38. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the status of the remote working code of practice being drafted by the Workplace Relations Commission; if he will provide a timeline as to when the code of practice in come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44309/23]
View answerThe right to request remote working will be available to all employees under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Under the Act, flexible working arrangements such as adjusted working patterns or reduced hours, will be available to parents and carers.
One Code of Practice will now be developed which will provide practical guidance to employers and employees on dealing with requests under the new law.
Work on the development of the Code of Practice is ongoing in the Workplace Relations Commission since a public consultation closed in June of this year. The WRC have reviewed the consultation submissions received, as well as other relevant policy documents, research, and best practice in other jurisdictions as part of finalising a working draft Code.
I understand that a working group has been established and a first meeting, attended by representatives from ICTU and Ibec, was recently held at the WRC. It is anticipated that the group will meet every 2 weeks in order to compete the Code.
Whilst taking into account the constructive discussions between the employer and employee representatives that have taken place, it is expected that there will be ongoing meaningful engagement between the members of the working group in relation to the Code contents.
While no set date has been agreed for finalisation at this point, all parties are focused on having the code published as soon as possible.
