Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
395. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the total number of employees in the Property Registration Authority is in the region of 550 employees; the precise number employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38734/20]
View answer396. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if approximately 230 employees are currently remote working enabled and who are therefore working from home; the precise number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38735/20]
View answer397. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the remainder of staff at the Property Registration Authority numbering approximately 320 employees are split into two teams, namely team A and team B; if these teams work part-time across the six locations operated by the PRA, with team A and B working a two-day week and three-day week alternating from team to team and week to week; if the employees while working a short week continue to be paid their full salaries based on a full working week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/20]
View answer398. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the attention of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been drawn to and has approved a situation in which employees are working a two to three-day week in certain instances but yet being remunerated for a full working week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38737/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 to 398, inclusive, together.
The services provided by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) support the work of legal practitioners and underpin the effective operation of the property market. On foot of the restrictions introduced by the Government on 21 October last, I understand that the PRA implemented its Business Continuity Plan Level 5 response for the continued provision of essential services, which continues to facilitate physical/social distancing and meets public health requirements.
I understand that the current number of staff employed by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) is 571, representing 528 full-time equivalents (FTE). There are currently 245 (258 FTE) staff working from home in addition to the continuation of temporary alternative arrangements for 307 (279 FTE) staff attending the work premises, though this can vary week-to-week depending on business needs. Home working is a balanced with the requirement to continue to provide the most effective and efficient services to the public.
It should be noted that the current arrangements are temporary and are in line with the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 and with the Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19.
