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Departmental Functions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Ceisteanna (67)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

67. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to support remote working within his Department, its agencies and through the funding supports provided to business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15636/20]

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Freagraí scríofa

As our country enters a new normal, remote working is now more important than ever. Last December my Department published the Remote Work in Ireland report. This outlined the prevalence and types of remote working in existence in Ireland. It also identified influencing factors on the part of both employers and employees.

One of the findings of the report was the need for further guidance for employers and employees. My Department is now working to deliver guidance that will fill that need. An Interdepartmental Group, consisting of relevant departments and agencies, has been formed to steer the delivery of this guidance.

The ‘Guidance for Working Remotely during COVID-19' webpage is a central access point for all of the Government guidance currently available on remote working. It allows employers and employees to navigate the existing guidance easily and helps to inform those working from home during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week we launched a public consultation on remote working guidance. This consultation will help us to understand what remote working issues are most pressing for employers and employees. The submissions that we receive will allow us to identify areas where further guidance can be provided and will also shape future remote working policy. I encourage all interested parties to take part in this consultation, the full details of which can be found on my Department’s website. It is open until August 7th.

Following the results of the consultation, we will work to further refine the current remote working guidance. This work will be completed later this year.

Remote working is also an important part of the work of the enterprise agencies. For example, Enterprise Ireland’s regional plan, ‘Powering the Regions’ emphasises the importance of smart working and commits to the creation of co-working spaces. To date, Enterprise Ireland has invested over €180 million in Enterprise Centres, Incubator Hubs and shared office space.

IDA Ireland are also aware of the potential business benefits of remote working. In collaboration with Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (ETB), SOLAS and Grow Remote, the IDA have recently launched two new online national training programmes in response to COVID-19. These courses aim to develop the capability and capacity of current remote workers, future remote workers and line managers nationally.

Through all of these initiatives, my Department aims to facilitate the further development of remote working in our country.

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