Ms Pauline O'Hare:

On flexible working arrangements, we have the transposition of the work-life balance directive. Obviously, there will be no delay on that because the State has to transpose it as soon as possible, having just missed a deadline. That includes flexible working arrangements or the right to request flexible working arrangements for parents and carers.

We have proposed legislation relating to remote work, which is a form of flexible working arrangements. We are engaging with the Department and have raised our concerns around that. Keep in mind that arising from Covid, many employers have flexible working arrangements in place, such as remote working. Employers absolutely recognise the value of flexible working arrangements in terms of the labour market, retaining and recruiting talent and widening the talent pool. There are a number of reasons for this. However, flexible working, like remote working, is a very complex issue.