Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
241. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants since March 2020 who have applied to work solely from home due to Covid-19 risk who were subsequently assessed by the chief medical officer of the Civil Service; the number of those cases granted leave to work from home; and the number refused the right to work from home. [33035/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Resilience and Recovery Plan provides for home working to continue where possible, within a Framework of five levels. Employers in the Civil Service have had regard to the changes that have been required at each level of the Framework and based on current Government advice. Home working and work premise attendance has been balanced with the requirement to continue to provide the most effective and efficient services to the public, in line with the provisions of the Framework and latest advice.
The Office of the Civil Service Chief Medical Officer (CMO) conducts COVID -19 risk assessments when requested by the Civil Service employing organisation. This includes referrals where the employer is advised whether the employee is at general population or normal risk / higher risk / very high risk from COVID-19.
This COVID -19 risk assessment follows the risk categorisation guidance developed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The decision on the employee’s place of work following this CMO risk categorisation is made by the employer in consultation with the employee, not the Civil Service CMO.
The number of cases involved from March 2020 to June 2021 are as follows:
A Total of 396 COVID Risk Referrals, of which
56 - Categorised as Normal Risk
263 - Categorised as Higher Risk
77 - Categorised as Very High Risk
The decision on whether the employee works from home or works onsite in the workplace following a risk categorisation by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is made by the employer in consultation with the employee, not the Civil Service CMO.
