Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
291. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the official policy of his Department regarding the acceptance of requests by civil service workers who wish to remain working from home to prevent exposed health risks entailed by the return to the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54265/21]
View answerDecisions in relation to those who are required to attend the workplace during COVID-19 are a matter for individual employers.
In order to assist civil and public service organisations with their work-related obligations during COVID-19, the Civil Service HR Policy Division within my Department regularly issues Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during Covid-19, which can be found here; www.gov.ie/en/news/092fff-update-on-working-arrangements-and-leave-associated-with-covid-19-fo/. The most recent update was released on the 29th September 2021. Section 1.1 of this document, which is based on public health advice and the Resilience and Recovery Plan 2021, provides guidance for employers in relation to who should attend the work premise during the pandemic. In line with public health advice, 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.
Additionally, the LEEF Consultative Group has published a Guidance Note on the Work Safely Protocol for returning safely to the workplace, which can be found here; www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Work-Safely-Protocol.html
The LEEF guidance note outlines that, on 19th October, the Government, taking into account the latest developments with regards to the incidence and behaviour of COVID-19, and progress in the roll out of vaccinations, announced further steps in reopening, to take effect from 22 October. A key element of Reframing the Challenge: Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, is the facilitation of a phased and staggered return to the workplace for specific business requirements.
