Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
102. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of workers that wish to continue working remotely even after the scheduled national return to the workplace on 22 September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43748/21]
View answerWe have a real opportunity now to make remote and blended working a much bigger part of normal working life. On 28th June I launched my department’s Making Remote Work campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the advice and information available from Government to help workers and employers facilitate more remote and blended working. This includes guidance for employers and workers and a Remote Working Checklist which are all available on my department’s website.
I will be introducing legislation for a right to request remote working which will set out a clear framework to facilitate remote and blended work options, in so far as possible. It will ensure that when an employer declines a request, there are stated reasons for doing so. We recognise that remote working won’t work for everyone or for every organisation, so the Government will take a balanced approach with the legislation.
A working group is currently examining the main issues around the proposed legislation and the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced. I plan to seek Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in Quarter 4 of 2021 and to progress the Bill as quickly as possible thereafter. The intention is to introduce a mechanism for employees to request remote working that is fair to workers but does not place an undue burden on employers.
In the meantime, we will also continue to provide up to date advice, guidance and information on all aspects of remote working for workers and employers.
