Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms McElwee and Ms Harkin from IBEC, and Ms King and Ms Bambrock from ICTU for attending this session. In the Labour Party, we are extremely clear that we need to build towards a right to flexible working in this country. We agree with ICTU in that we need robust legislation guaranteeing fair procedure and that we ensure a greater balance between employers and employees.

I refer to the detail of the submissions and direct my questions to IBEC first. I hear that employers have concerns and we need to understand those. I agree that we need updated guidance from the Health and Safety Authority on the ergonomic suitability of workplaces and such issues. However, I refer to three other issues Ms McElwee raised, which is the insurance of equipment within a person's home, clocking in, and digital security. We are 24 months on from when thousands of workers were forced into working from home. Is IBEC suggesting that employers are only beginning to grapple with these issues now? They include vital issues of insurance, clocking in and that employers have not been putting software in place to ensure working time is recorded. With regards to digital security, I find it hard to believe that employers have allowed a Wild West scenario with regards to digital security systems in place for their workers working remotely. From what I hear today, these are concerns IBEC is raising now with regard to remote working. Is IBEC saying that these are issues that have not been dealt with in the past two years?