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Flexible Work Practices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

Questions (195)

Paul Murphy

Question:

195. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when remote working legislation will be introduced; if he will ensure that employees have the right to work from home in circumstances in which it is possible in this legislation rather than just the right to request same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4430/22]

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Written answers

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.

On 25 January the Government approved the priority drafting of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022 and the submission of the General Scheme to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to seek early commencement of pre-legislative scrutiny.

I look forward to discussing this important proposal with the Joint Oireachtas Committee as soon as possible and the Bill will be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible thereafter. 

Of course this is only the General Scheme and we will be drafting the Bill over the coming months, so I am happy to take feedback and suggestions on the legislation.

This is one of many measures the Government has introduced to incentivise remote working. Others include the right to disconnect and investment in remote working hubs across the country as part of our Remote Working Strategy published last year.

We recognise that not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise, will be appropriate or suitable for remote working, e.g. construction workers, nurses, doctors, waste collectors. Calls to introduce a blanket right to remote working are not realistic.

This legislation will provide employees with a right to request remote work and will provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing such a request can be based. It will also provide legal clarity to employers on their obligations for dealing with such requests.

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