I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
Guided by the Central Policy Framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service, the Department of the Taoiseach launched a Blended Working Policy in November 2022 with staff members invited to submit applications for blended working arrangements. In general, all applications for blended working arrangements were facilitated subject to business needs. At end 2022, 45% of staff (112) had applied for formal remote working arrangements. At end 2023, the figure was 41% of staff.
The Department is committed to embracing opportunities for remote and blended working, to build a more dynamic, agile and responsive workforce, while sustaining strong standards of performance and high levels of productivity. The Department of the Taoiseach recognises that blended working can increase flexibility, improve health and wellbeing, and enhance work-life balance. The Department’s Blended Working Policy provides for a minimum attendance of three days per week in the office. In most cases where staff are working full-time this provides for two days per week working remotely. The gender breakdown of staff availing of blended working arrangements is 65% female / 35% male, which is aligned to the Department’s overall gender distribution.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of the Department, also provides for blended working arrangements. At end 2023, 88% of NESDO staff (16) availed of blended working, with staff required to attend in the office a minimum of two days per week. At end 2022, the figure was 87% of staff (15). The gender breakdown of staff in NESDO availing of blended working arrangements is 63% female / 37% male.
