Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
179. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21054/21]
View answerCurrently, during level 5 restrictions, all staff in my Department have been advised to work from home except where it is essential that they work onsite. To encourage and facilitate employees to stay active, wellbeing guidance and advice is communicated on a regular basis, and all staff are reminded to take regular breaks.
In general terms, pre and post pandemic, staff in my Department are encouraged and facilitated to use active travel to commute to work in the following ways:
- The Cycle to Work scheme is available and promoted to staff.
- Miesian Plaza has secure and plentiful bicycle parking and excellent shower facilities.
- The Travel Pass scheme incentivises staff to use public transport which in turn encourages them to walk or cycle to and from train stations and bus stops.
- When the Department moved to our new headquarters in Miesian Plaza we reduced our available car parking spaces to further encourage staff to cycle or walk to work.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the staff of the HSE and Section 38 agencies under their remit. The information relating to the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the remit of my Department is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy by separate cover.
