Civil Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

Questions (95)

Gerald Nash

Question:

95. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a recent remote working report (details supplied) in which 88% of civil servants surveyed indicated that they feel as effective when working remotely as they are during normal working arrangements and that three-quarters of staff surveyed indicated that they would like to continue to access remote working in the future if given the choice; his plans to provide such choice for flexible and remote working for civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32295/21]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Government, has committed, in the Programme for Government, to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working in 2021. In this context, My Department is, as a matter of priority, working with employers across the Civil Service to develop the longer term approach to remote working in the sector. My Department is also working closely with the wider public sector to ensure a consistency of approach. To this end the Department is working on a Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations which will assist those organisations in developing long-term remote working policies.

It is proposed that remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis, subject to roles being deemed as suitable to be carried out remotely.