Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
416. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Workplace Relations Commission's Code of Practice, due to be finalised in order for the commencement of Part 3 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48620/23]
View answer419. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the remote working code of practice being drafted by the Workplace Relations Commission will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48681/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 419 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 first meeting, attended by representatives from ICTU and Ibec, took place on 5th October. The Working Group are continuing to meet to discuss the Code and will meet every 2 weeks in order to compete the Code. 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.
