Vol. 505 No. 4
149 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, in place to increase the availability of flexible working hours within his Department and in agencies under its auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14018/99]
In accordance with normal Civil Service procedures in this regard, a system of flexible working hours is available in my Department and in a number of offices under its auspices. The question of the further introduction or extension of flexible working hours is one which is reviewed periodically having particular regard to any requests from office managers and staff.
The following is the position in each of the areas mentioned: in so far as the courts are concerned, the Department considers requests for introduction/expansion of flexible working hours in accordance with general council reports under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. The introduction or expansion of flexible working hours is, of course, subject to the approval of local management.
Given the nature of work involved and the rostering arrangements in place, there are no plans to introduce flexi-time in the prison service.
A system of flexible working hours is available to most of the staff in the land registry and registry of deeds. The situation is kept under regular review.
A system of flexible working hours is available in some offices of the probation and welfare service. No request has been made for an extension of the system, but the matter is kept under review.
A system of flexible working hours is currently available for staff employed in the head office of the legal aid board. I understand that there are no proposals at present to increase the availability of flexible working hours within the board. A system of flexible working hours is available in the agency.
There are no plans at present to introduce a scheme of flexible working hours in An Garda Síochána.
Any extension of the availability of flexible working hours in my Department would be influenced by the costs involved and the number of staff at the location in question. A major consideration for my Department is the geographical spread of its offices throughout the country, many of which have a small allocation of staff. The feasibility of introducing flexible working hours to these offices would also have to take into account the need to provide an adequate service to the public.
