Employment Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022

Thursday, 15 December 2022

Ceisteanna (138)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

138. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the success of the four-day week research project carried out by an organisation (details supplied), University College Dublin and Boston College; and if his Department will provide additional funding for further research in other sectors of the economy to get a holistic understanding of the financial, social and environmental impact of a four-day week across the whole of the economy. [62045/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government welcomed the interim findings of the four-day workweek research project and trial recently announced by the organisation referred to in the Question, UCD and Boston College. T hat trial was nonetheless limited to a small number of participating companies, and further research is required to develop a robust evidence base on this topic.

My Department earlier this year tendered for research which will examine the potential social, economic and environmental implications of a transition to reduced working time, including a four-day workweek. The research will include a focus on impacts such as labour market participation, work-life balance, gender equality and the transition to a low-carbon economy. This research study will be carried out with a view to gathering evidence which will inform any future policy development in this area.

My officials are in the process of finalising the engagement of a research team to undertake the study, which is expected to be completed in 2023.