Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Gray. Turning to head 7 and the limitation regarding submitting another request within 12 months, I note that the definition of "remote work" states it is an umbrella term and that the concept of flexible work is part and parcel of the ability to work remotely. In this head, however, I am reading language used such as "constant requests" being put forward by employees. That says much about whose side the Department is on regarding this legislation. Equally, it seems counter-intuitive to set a 12-month gap between the submission of a request to an employer and subsequent submission of another request. What about a situation where a temporary arrangement may be needed to work from home or another location for several weeks? Such a provision is not provided for at all in this legislation. There is no flexibility embedded in these draft heads of the Bill as they stand.