Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
91. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress or otherwise in the implementation of the National Remote Work Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60492/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021. The Strategy identified 15 actions to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits.
My Department led the development and implementation of the Strategy’s actions through the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group (IDG) during 2021 and 2022. The IDG will continue to meet in 2023 to share information and coordinate remote working policy across Government.
There has been significant progress in implementing the actions outlined in the Strategy which will facilitate remote working for employers and employees both now and into the future. Key achievements include:
- Government agreement to integrate the right to request remote Work into the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill in November 2022 as the most efficient and practical way to introduce this right for all workers.
Integrating the Right to Request Remote Work with the Work Life Balance Bill means that employers and employees will be making and considering requests for flexible or remote working under one piece of legislation and one Code of Practice which will be developed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), streamlining the process. Publication of the amended Work-Life Balance Bill will take place in December 2022, and it is the intention that the Bill will then be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.
- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the Workplace Relations Commission.
- The announcement of an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home in Budget 2022 amounting to 30 percent of the cost of vouched expenses for heat, electricity and broadband.
- The launch of the National Hub Network and the ConnectedHubs.ie platform by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Western Development Commission in May 2021. 295 hubs have been onboarded onto the platform to date, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. The ConnectedHubs.ie platform will ultimately link over 400 hubs throughout the country.
- Significant Government investment to underpin the development of the National Hub Network. To date, a total of approximately €100m in funding has been provided through funding streams managed by the DRCD and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) to develop Ireland’s hub and remote working infrastructure to ensure that communities across the country are in a position to benefit from the opportunities presented by increased remote working.
- This investment includes €76 million in funding for projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), many of which involved the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as enterprise centres and co-working hubs. In June 2022, €5m was allocated to 81 hub projects across the country through the Connected Hubs Fund. This follows the awarding of almost €9m in funding to 117 projects via the 2021 Connected Hubs Call.
- The launch of the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme which gives remote workers free use of their local digital hub. At least 10,000 hot desk spaces will be provided in total through the Scheme. Phase One was launched in June 2022, with Phase Two taking place between September and December.
- My Department has, together with the DRCD, started drafting a National Hub Strategy 2023-2023 which will bring together various national policies and schemes into a single coherent whole. The Strategy will focus on identifying opportunities to leverage the National Hub Network as an enabler of enterprise, employment, sustainable and resilient communities and as a contributor to achieving to Ireland’s climate action goals. It is expected that this strategy will be launched in the latter part of 2023.
- The launch of Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 by my Department in spring 2022. The plans include a strong focus on promoting remote working opportunities and investing in infrastructures across the nine regions.
- While National Broadband Plan was impacted negatively by COVID-19, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications is continuing to engage with National Broadband Ireland to address the delays that have arisen. As a result of actions taken by NBI, the project has been building momentum and month.
- The publication of the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on March 31st, 2022. The framework is helping to deliver the Programme for Government commitment to move to 20% remote/home working across the sector.
- Ongoing remote work promotion and guidance including advice for employers and employees on best practice, health and safety, equality and skills by a range of agencies including the Health and Safety Authority, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Western Development Commission, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Skillnet Ireland and local Education and Training Boards.
- My Department is continuing to develop and promote its Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage is a live resource and is updated regularly. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements.
- The publication of an Irish Government Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGGES) paper in May 2022 which found that remote working is likely to have a positive impact on Ireland’s economy and society. The paper, “An Evaluation of the Impacts of Remote Working”, examined the impact of remote working on several key policy areas, finding positive effects on productivity, the environment, regional development, private finances, and labour market participation.
