Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. I compliment them on the submission and opening statement. From my experience, the submission was among the best we have had in the past few years. Ms Mangan mentioned Senator Currie and her work in this field over the past couple of years. Senator Currie has, within her own party, brought this forward. Unfortunately, she cannot be here today but I know she is watching. She has asked me to make a contribution on her behalf. I will say essentially what she would say, and then ask questions. She said she supports the witnesses' submission and concerns, which she believes can be fixed. She entirely agrees that this is not just about legislation, which has been described as a floor of rights, but that it is also about breaking through the ceiling and creating better opportunities for people and communities. A national campaign and supports are essential. Senator Currie would add that we need to match the demand for remote working and investing in remote-ready communities that create a supply of remote workers in every part of the country. Other countries have this legislation but it goes hand in hand with culture change where it is successful. Can the witnesses directly address employers' concerns and how they might be overcome? Concerns can be about insurance, health and safety, onboarding, cybersecurity, data protection, fostering a team dynamic, and how, and if, staff are monitored. Some of these have been listed as grounds to refuse remote work. Could the witnesses tell the committee how, in their experience, they can be overcome? I will come back with some other questions.