Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
147. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the steps being taken to facilitate remote working within his Department in particular to encourage remote working for those who live in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42716/21]
View answerMy Department has robustly facilitated remote working for staff in roles across all office locations, where feasible, over the last 18 months. We have been particularly conscious of the need to minimise the pressure on the public transport system to support essential workers travelling safely. This has included the supply of IT equipment to enable an effective and productive working environment at home for our people. Departments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. With restrictions now lifting, there are extensive plans being implemented to enable staff to transition to a mix of working together in the office while maintaining an element of working from home, gradually and safely, until a blended working scheme is in place.
A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.
My Department will develop its own Blended Working arrangements in line with the central policy framework. Officers of the Department in all office locations will be invited to apply once these arrangements have been finalised.
