Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
39. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the operation of the Right to Disconnect code of practice since its introduction in April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25226/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect is a best practice guide and template to remind employers of the statutory obligations around record keeping, the maximum average weekly working hours permitted for employees, and employees statutory rest period entitlements. The Code is also aimed at ensuring employees are aware of their statutory entitlements and how to raise concerns in relation to non-compliance.
The Code has been operational since 31 March 2021. I understand that the Tánaiste wrote to the WRC to requesting an update on the Code's first anniversary. In reply, the WRC has advised that the matter has not arisen as a core issue in terms of complaints submitted to the WRC nor is it arising over the course of inspections carried out by the WRC.
However, as employee work arrangements are currently in transition to a pattern where employees are likely to spend more time working in locations other than their homes, the delineation between home life and working time may come into sharper focus. Accordingly, it is imperative that both employers and employees are aware that the obligations and protections of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 apply no matter the location.
To address this issue the WRC has developed a social media campaign to coincide with the anniversary of the Code’s implementation.
