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Flexible Work Practices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021

Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Questions (62)

John Lahart

Question:

62. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to legislate to provide employees with the right to request remote working. [43609/21]

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Written answers

The right to request remote work is part of a broader Government vision to make remote working a permanent feature of Ireland’s workforce in a way that can benefit all – economically, socially and environmentally.  The commitment to introduce legislation to underpin employees' right to request remote work was made in the national Remote Work Strategy published last January.  The Covid pandemic has certainly brought remote working centre stage and work on this important legislation is well advanced.

The Bill 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. Remote working won’t work for everyone, so we will take a balanced approach with the legislation.

On 20th August, I published the views from members of the public and stakeholder groups on the new legislation. The summary report of the 175 submissions is available on my Department's website.

Informed by the public consultation and a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced and I will be seeking Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in Quarter 4 of 2021. The Bill will be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible thereafter. The intention is to introduce a mechanism for employees to request remote working that is fair 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.

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.

Question No. 63 answered orally.
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