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Remote Working

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2020

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Ceisteanna (39)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

39. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the targets set for new remote jobs in Ireland and transitioning existing jobs to remote working across the public sector, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44036/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As our country continues to navigate Covid-19, remote working has become more important than ever before. This is reflected in the Programme for Government, which contains commitments aimed at facilitating remote work across Ireland. These include a mandate for public sector employers, colleges and other public bodies to move to 20% home and remote working in 2021 and the development of a National Remote Work Strategy.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic my Department is closely following the guidance that all those who can work from home should do so. HR policies and practices for the Civil Service are governed centrally by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). This includes matters relating to employment terms and conditions, including Circular 4 of 2003 which promotes e-working in the Civil Service. DPER is collaborating with all Departments to develop a policy on remote working and my Department is engaging positively to progress this work.

In relation to the National Remote Work Strategy, my Department is leading on its delivery. The Strategy has been developed under the guidance of a broad Interdepartmental Group with representation across Government and the state agencies. The Strategy will consider what changes are needed to develop an environment that encourages remote working solutions. The Strategy will include a set of actions to be delivered and an Implementation Group will monitor the progress of these actions. It is expected that the Strategy will be published shortly.

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