Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
31. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way in which his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are accommodating requests for persons to work from home. [42754/21]
View answerDepartments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is developing a central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service. This 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.
Until such time as this framework is in place, and in line with Public Health guidance, my Department will support staff to return to the office commencing on the 20th September on a gradual and flexible basis. Communications have issued to staff and information sessions are planned to answer questions staff may and to provide support as staff return to the office.
These measures apply to staff in my Department and its Offices across five locations including Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, Sligo and Ennis. Remote and Blended Working arrangements in the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the Agencies themselves.
