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Flexible Work Practices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Questions (54, 58)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

54. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the progress of the actions contained in the National Remote Work Strategy; the status of outstanding actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53103/21]

View answer

Michael Moynihan

Question:

58. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the remote working strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52576/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 58 together.

My Department published the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021. The objective of the Strategy is to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits.

My Department is leading the implementation of the Strategy’s 15 actions through an Interdepartmental Group which meets every quarter. At these meetings it has been demonstrated that all actions have been achieved to date or are currently underway.

Progress to date includes:

- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the WRC.

- A public consultation was held on the Right to Request Remote Work. Informed by this and by a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced. Originally targeted for legislation in Q3, I will be seeking Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in Q4 2021.

- ConnectedHubs.ie- Ireland’s first national digital hub network- was launched by the Department of Rural and Community Development at the end of May 2021. ConnectedHubs.ie will ultimately link over 400 hubs throughout the country.

- The Connected Hubs Call has awarded funding of €8.9m to 117 remote working hub projects in July to upgrade Ireland’s remote work infrastructure.

- The National Broadband Plan has been impacted negatively by COVID-19. However, mitigations are being pursued by the contractor, National Broadband Ireland, to address delays. These include hastening the eir “make-ready” programme and bringing in additional resources.

- The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have been working with employers across the Civil and Public Service to develop a Blended Working Policy Framework for the Civil Service. This Framework focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working in the sector and can assist in providing a consistent approach across the wider public sector. The Framework will be finalised over the coming months, following engagement with employee representatives and approval by the Civil Service Management Board.

- My Department is currently developing new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 in which there will be a focus on promoting remote working opportunities and investing in infrastructures across the nine regions.

- In October, over €9.3 million in funding was awarded to projects around the country through Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme, with successful applicants including hubs and enterprise centres throughout the country.

- In Budget 2022, an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home was announced. It amounts to 30 percent of the cost of vouched expenses for heat, electricity and broadband.

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