Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022
57. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of remote working in terms of the Civil Service Renewal 2030 Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2341/22]
View answerThe Civil Service Renewal 2030 Strategy - 'Building on our Strengths' - commits to developing and implementing flexible working models, including the acceleration of online systems, virtual teams and blended working options.
In July, 2021 the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service. The Policy Statement commits the Civil Service to implementing a policy of blended working for the future that can provide flexibility to both employees and their employers in a manner that supports the continued delivery of high quality services to Government, the public and business while providing employees, where appropriate, with choice and opportunity.
Remote working in the Civil Service, post pandemic, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, Officials in my Department have been working with, and continue to work 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.
It is anticipated that the Framework will be finalised over the coming weeks following conclusion of the engagement with employee representatives. When the Framework has been agreed with the Civil Service Management Board, it will be rolled out to all civil service organisations. The Framework will inform the development of organisational blended working policies which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office.
