Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I launched that voucher scheme earlier in the summer. It was designed to encourage those who have never used a hub to try it for free. It was like a sample or taster. A person could go in and use the hub for three days, free of charge. I was encouraging people to go in, try them out and see what they thought, because sitting at home is not a good idea. At least in a hub one can have a bit of interaction and talk to people. It is secure and the desks are at the right height. One will not be going home in the evening or getting up from the kitchen table with a sore back. It is much better for people to use the hubs. I am encouraging people to get out there and try them.

In June, we had 1,800 users registered on the connected hubs platform. Since the announcement of the voucher scheme, the number of registered users has gone up to more than 8,000. We want to keep this momentum going; I do not want to lose it. I want to encourage employers as well to engage with their staff and see whether remote working would work for them. I do not believe that remote working means less productivity; in fact, I think productivity goes up.

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