Written Answers Nos. 1-63
61. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to extending the Covid recognition payment to other workers who continued to attend work during the pandemic such as clerical staff in Covid community assessment hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11512/22]
View answerThere are many thousands of people across the country who went above and beyond over the course of the last two years. The continued contribution of so many people in all walks of life has been essential to getting us through this difficult time. Collaboration and solidarity have been the hallmark of our national approach to COVID-19 and the measures announced on 19 January are true to those principles.
After careful consideration, the Government made the decision to give all the people of Ireland a national day of recognition and commemoration on the 18th of March this year, and another permanent public holiday in February commencing in 2023.
The Government took many factors into consideration when coming to a decision in relation to any additional recognition measure for specific sectors. It ultimately agreed that contribution of every sector is to be acknowledged through the introduction of a new public holiday. At the same time it decided that it was appropriate to acknowledge certain frontline healthcare workers in the public sector and in private nursing homes and hospices in particular through a special recognition payment.
This is a balanced package of measures that will benefit all workers across the economy, while also recognising in particular the risks faced by certain frontline healthcare workers during this pandemic.
The Department of Health is working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. This will be published as soon as possible. This work underway is to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended.
62. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps his Department is taking to facilitate remote working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11384/22]
View answer68. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the targets for blended working in the civil service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11383/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 68 together.
In July, 2021 the Government approved a Policy Statement on Blended Working in the Civil Service which is in line with the Programme for Government commitment mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working. 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 COVID, will be facilitated on a blended basis. In this context, my Department continues 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 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 progressively 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, depending on the needs of the business.
