Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
188. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Code of Practice on the right to request remote work will be in place; if it will be in place before the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44635/23]
View answer206. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will seek and provide an update from the WRC as to the expected timeline on production of a code of practice on the “Right to Request Remote Working”, for which public consultation closed in early June 2023; when legislation will be progressed following the production of the code of practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45226/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 206 together.
The right to request remote working will be available to all employees under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Under the Act, flexible working arrangements such as adjusted working patterns or reduced hours, will be available to parents and carers.One Code of Practice will now be developed which will provide practical guidance to employers and employees on dealing with requests under the new law.Work on the development of the Code of Practice is ongoing in the Workplace Relations Commission since a public consultation closed in June of this year. The WRC have reviewed the 51 consultation submissions received, as well as other relevant policy documents, research, and best practice in other jurisdictions as part of finalising a working draft Code. I understand that a working group has been established and a meeting, attended by representatives from ICTU and Ibec, took place on 5th October. It is anticipated that the group will meet every 2 weeks in order to compete the Code.Whilst taking into account the constructive discussions between the employer and employee representatives that have taken place, it is expected that there will be ongoing meaningful engagement between the members of the working group in relation to the Code contents.While no set date has been agreed for finalisation at this point, all parties are focused on having a robust Code of Practice published as soon as possible.
The legislation will come into force as soon as practicable following the completion of this Code.
