Neale Richmond
Ceist:117. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline the Civil Service blended working policy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 28 April 2022
Ceisteanna (117, 136)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:136. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the Civil Service blended working policy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20327/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 136 together.
The experience of the COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on the world of work, with an overnight move by necessity to remote working in many sectors. There have been many positive aspects to this experience for both employers and employees. It has also highlighted certain challenges. In the context of the return to the office, the COVID experience has informed discussions in the civil and public service on the potential future scope for remote working in a post-pandemic work environment.
In the case of the civil service, remote working will be facilitated into the future on a blended basis. In this context, my Department, in collaboration with Civil Service employers, Trade Unions and Staff Associations, has developed a Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations.
The Framework focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working in the Civil Service and will assist in providing a consistent approach across the wider public service. The Framework supports commitments contained in a number of strategies which this Government has launched. These include, the National Remote Working Strategy, Our Rural Future, the Climate Action Plan and the National Planning Framework.
I, along with Minister of State Smyth, published the Framework on 31 March. The Framework provides broad strategic direction to individual organisations in the Civil Service to develop tailored policies on blended working that are appropriate to their business needs and employees. It is anticipated that Departments and Offices will have these policies completed as soon as possible but no later than end-Q2 2022.
The Framework contains five key principles to guide Departments and Offices in the development of their policies. These principles are:
- Supporting the Business Need of the Organisation
- Leadership and Management
- Being an Employer of Choice
- Transparency and Consistency, and
- Health and Safety.
The Framework provides guidance for Departments and Offices around:
- Developing a blended working policy
- Employee eligibility criteria
- Application/decision making process
- Review of decision making process
- Provision of equipment for remote workers
- Supports and tools available to employees
- Guidance on Health and Safety obligations and other legal obligations
In developing their own policies, Civil Service Departments and Offices will have the flexibility to determine matters such as the proportion of time individual employees work remotely versus onsite and the roles that are suitable for blended working.
The Framework will be reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure it is meeting the needs of employers and employees in carrying out their day-to-day business. The first review of the Framework will take place when the Right to Request Remote Working legislation is enacted to ensure it is in accordance with that legislation.
A link to the Framework is provided below.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/da010-blended-working-policy-framework-for-civil-service-organisations/