Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2013
45. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has equality proofed the proposed Croke Park II proposals with a particular reference to the impact of the proposals on women working within the public sector. [17841/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll changes in relation to work-life balance arrangements in the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) proposals were aimed at streamlining existing arrangements so that a satisfactory balance could be struck between the delivery of the business needs of the employer – in this case the consistent delivery of high quality services to the public – and the need for working parents and carers to have flexibility to meet their personal commitments.
Work-life balance arrangements in the public service are, and will continue to be, among the best available options provided by Irish employers. This is particularly the case when considered in tandem with annual leave and other family friendly provisions.
The range of flexible working arrangements that will continue to be available across the public service, includes flexi-time, work-sharing arrangements, the shorter working year scheme, career breaks, as well as all of the statutory entitlements such as parental leave and carer’s leave. This is an extensive range of options within which public service employees can balance their work-life commitments.
The Irish public service has a proud record of promoting these arrangements and the employee profile across the service reflects the strong efforts made over the last few decades to ensure that public servants’ employment terms allow them to balance their work and home commitments.
