Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
240. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update in respect of enacting the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 in full. [46706/23]
View answerThe 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.
Under the Act, employers will be obliged to have regard to a Code of Practice when considering applications for flexible and remote working arrangements. Employees will be able to refer a dispute to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where an employer fails to meet their obligations under the Act.
Work on the development of the Code of Practice is ongoing in the WRC since a public consultation closed in June of this year. The WRC have reviewed the 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 a working group has been established and a first meeting, attended by representatives from ICTU and Ibec, was held on 5th October at the WRC. It is anticipated that the group will meet every 2 weeks in order to complete the Code.
It is intended that the remote working provisions of the Act will be commenced as soon as practicable, following the completion of the Code.
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is responsible for the commencement of provisions of the Act relating to the flexible working arrangements for parents and carers.
