Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste's decision to merge the flexible working and the remote working Bills. I also welcome, in particular, the removal of criminal offences for employers to have a policy, even if they never required having one, the removal of excessive grounds for employers to refuse remote working, the introduction of a code of practice and a worker's right to complain. It shows the value of the pre-legislative scrutiny system. I am seeking assurance that there be no unnecessary delay in implementing this legislation. It is an important opportunity we must seize.

We have seen cases where companies have announced a blanket end to remote working. Thankfully, this was not in Ireland, but it shows the urgent need for legislation.

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