Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It seems from the Minister's response that there is a certain degree of anad hoc response. Inevitably, a certain discretion has to be allowed to every employer, Department and section within Departments right across the Civil Service and, indeed, the public service. On the other hand, the right to work from home poses a significant challenge to management in the Civil Service in particular. Obviously, it is important to ensure there is no diminution of service to the public as well as making sure the workforce is facilitated in working from home where possible. That will require management systems, however. I could be wrong but I do not think management is an Irish forte, particularly in the civil and public service, or, at least, if it is, we have failed to demonstrate it of late. This is not just an issue raised by the Opposition; it has also been recognised by those on the Government back benches. There is a perception that it is now much more difficult to get through to public services and the Civil Service on the telephone, for example.

That is not blaming individual civil servants, but if what is perceived is the reality, management systems have to be put in place to ensure it is not.

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