Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
72. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to revise upward the Programme for Government commitment to move to 20% remote and or home working in light of the high demand to continue with a remote and hybrid model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11277/22]
View answer99. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the blended working policy in the civil service; if employers will have the right to refuse blended working arrangements and will retain the right to require employees to attend the office under the proposed policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11276/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 99 together.
It is anticipated that the Blended Working Policy Framework will be finalised shortly, following conclusion of the engagement with employee representatives. Once finalised, the Framework will be rolled out to all civil service organisations and will inform the development of organisational blended working policies which will be tailored to meet the specific requirements of each Department/Office. On completion, each Department/Office will roll out their blended working policies and implementation plans.
In line with Government commitments, the Civil Service will demonstrate leadership in moving proactively to this new blended working environment with a view to achieving at least 20% remote working initially. Civil servants can request remote working and based on the needs of the business, employers can allow or refuse access to blended working.
On 23 January, my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment published the General Scheme of a Bill which will give employees the right to request remote working. The Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2021 will, for the first time, provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing a request for remote work can be based. The Blended Working Policy Framework will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with the Right to Request Remote Working legislation when it is enacted.
