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Flexible Work Practices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Ceisteanna (25)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

25. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a public policy on remote working. [29958/20]

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Freagraí scríofa

As our country continues to navigate COVID-19, remote working is now more important than ever. This is reflected in the recent and ongoing work of my Department, and in the Programme for Government, which contains commitments aimed at facilitating remote working across Ireland.

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. The 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.

In July, my Department launched a public consultation on remote working guidance to help us to understand what remote working issues are most pressing for employers and employees. Once the results of this consultation have been analysed, we will focus on the key issues arising and identify where work can be completed to address these issues. The guidance webpage will be updated following the consultation to address the noted areas of concern and provide employers and employees with additional guidance to facilitate remote working in the long term. The webpage will be regularly updated to reflect any changes made in response to the consultation.

The Programme for Government recognises that facilitating remote working and innovation opportunities is essential for addressing climate change, adapting to an evolving economy and competing internationally. It contains a number of commitments to encourage remote working across our country. This includes the commitment to develop a national remote working strategy. My Department is leading on this action. Work is currently underway on this under the guidance of an Interdepartmental Group and it is expected to be published in the coming months.

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