Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
92. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he plans to introduce a bill to provide for a right to request remote working; the protections that are in place now for employees who want to continue working from home but are directed to return to office despite being able to carry out their duties at home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52649/21]
View answer94. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if legislation to provide for a right to request remote working will be in place before the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52651/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 94 together.
The right to request remote work is part of the 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.
Informed by the public consultation and a review of international best practice, the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced and Cabinet approval will be sought 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 line with current public health advice, the return to physical attendance in workplaces should continue to take place on a phased basis appropriate to each sector and for specific business requirements. A cautious and careful return to workplaces should take into account appropriate attendance levels, with the use of staggered arrangements such as non-fulltime attendance and flexible working hours, and that attendance is for specific business requirements.
The Work Safely Protocol sets out the minimum measures required in every place of work to facilitate the re-opening of workplaces, prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the ongoing safe operation of those workplaces. The Protocol takes account of the most up to date public health advice and reinforces the core public health measures that have kept workplaces safe throughout the pandemic.
Any worker with a query or a concern about compliance with the provisions of the Protocol at their place of work can contact the Workplace Contact Unit of the Health and Safety Authority for advice and guidance. In addition, there is a broad range of supporting checklists and templates available from the Health and Safety Authority to assist both employers and workers in complying with the Protocol.
