Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
230. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the situation on flexible working arrangements in the public sector will be clarified; the reason various Departments and authorities do not allow those working from home to have the option of flexitime whereas those who work in the office are given this option (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5957/21]
View answerGovernment Departments and Offices have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health requirements by introducing new measures of flexibility in working arrangements.
Civil Service Departments and Offices have been advised by my Department, as standard practice across the public service during COVID-19, to consider all forms of flexible working including:
- working from home where possible
- working adjusted hours and providing for alternative arrangements where possible, including flexible shifts, staggered hours, wider opening hours including weekend work, both for those working from home and when workplace attendance is required
Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on normal working arrangements, the operation of traditional flexitime and attendance management rules do not support the flexible arrangements and agility required during this extraordinary situation. These arrangements were temporarily suspended in April 2020 to facilitate the required new ways of working across the public service. Many public servants are still working remotely as part of these temporary measures and in order to support public health measures rather than under a formal remote working strategy.
As more public servants have returned to their workplaces, flexitime arrangements were re-introduced, with effect from the 24th August 2020, for those employees who are attending the work premises on their pre-COVID arrangements.
Any further changes to the suspension of flexi for other civil and public servants will be considered in the wider context of the overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All guidance issued by my Department in relation to COVID-19 is reviewed regularly and officials in my Department consult with both civil and public service employers and union representatives in this regard.
