Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2021
134. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all local authority workers who can work from home are being facilitated in that matter; the checks he has put in place to verify same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9307/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities continue to deliver key essential services including housing, water and waste water services, essential roads maintenance and planning. The delivery of those services requires the attendance of staff in the workplace as such services cannot be delivered on a remote basis. The safety of all staff remains the key priority for the sector and this is reflected in the detailed safety guidance protocols which are in place in each local authority. The guiding principle is that delivery of services should be limited to those activities that are critical to safeguarding the continuity of essential local authority services, and that attendance in the workplace is limited to those staff who are essential for the delivery of these essential services and who cannot do so from home.
Local Authorities will continue to review their operational plans for the delivery of services so as to minimise the risk to staff. They will also continue to reinforce the key messages to staff to ensure that all staff are adhering to key health and safety advice for the prevention of spread of the virus.
