Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:86. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has conducted research on the impact of moving to a four-day work week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8973/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 3 June 2020
Ceisteanna (86)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that the Department of Finance has not, at this time, conducted any research on the impact of moving to a four-day work week.
However the Department operates a number of schemes allowing staff avail of alternative working arrangements and a number of these are listed below.
Work Sharing
In the Department of Finance work sharing is available to all grades, subject to business needs. Currently 31 our staff are availing of work sharing.
Flexible Working Hours
All staff in the Department, up to HEO/AO, have access to the Flexible Working Hours system. Some longer serving APs who had access to flexitime on 30 June 2013, retained access on a personal basis for as long as they remain in the same grade under the Haddington Road Agreement. APs appointed after this date and those above that grade do not have access to accumulate additional hours. As senior officials these self-manage their own time.
On 9 April 2020, due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on normal working arrangements, the normal operation of flexi-time or equivalent attendance management rules, including any flexi-time accruals and deficits, was temporarily suspended to facilitate the required new ways of working across the public service.
Career Break
Career Breaks are available to all staff, subject to business needs. We currently have 14 staff on career breaks ranging in grade from CO to PO.
Shorter Working Year Scheme
In the Department of Finance all variations of the shorter working year scheme are available to all grades, subject to business needs. The number of staff availing of SWYS in 2020 is 17.
In addition to these schemes, staff are entitled to all statutory leave including annual and parental leave.