Seanad debates

Monday, 15 February 2021

Remote Working Strategy: Motion

 

10:30 am

Photo of Aisling DolanAisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy English, to the House. In terms of his responsibility for employment affairs and retail businesses what we are discussing is really important. I commend Senator Currie on the work she has done on remote working and I welcome the strategy that has come forward.

The remote working strategy recently launched by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment references three pillars, namely, creating an environment for remote working to flourish, remote working infrastructure and policies to support this. The goal is to have 20% of the public sector working remotely. That is fantastic. Hopefully, that will happen in the coming years. This is setting an example by the Government. The strategy speaks to how remote working will offer more flexibility, which can only be a positive, particularly for women, working mums, single parents, people with disabilities, carers and how it can change how people access and carry out their roles without having to commute. Remote working will also have environmental benefits. The drive here from Ballinasloe took two hours. Imagine the benefits if we could remove the need for people to have to do such long commutes.

We are in a period of change. As mentioned, the rights associated with remote working are very important. The report speaks to the need for a balance between remote working and the dynamic process of people coming together to brainstorm, which cannot be lost. We all know the importance of that. The infrastructure is an issue I have been looking at. Two years ago, two schools in east Galway were judged the worst in the country in terms of download speeds. This meant that children in the west of Ireland did not have equal access to education. Following on from the work of Fine Gael and National Broadband Ireland in terms of driving the national broadband plan, the roll-out is happening and schools are able to access broadband. I was told earlier today by staff at a Gaelscoil in Ballinasloe that they have to work from home because they cannot work from the school. Broadband is really important for education and business. It is about having equal opportunity.

We are supporting employers, employees and the self-employed across the country. In the Ballinasloe, south Roscommon and east Galway region, more than 3,300 premises will be connected by May and June. This includes areas such as Clontuskert, Ahascragh, Kilconnell, Ballydangan and Moore. We are one of the top five priority areas, which is amazing because there are many black spots in east Galway and south Roscommon. There will be provision for schools and farmers' marts as well because marts are outside of that zone.

I wish to acknowledge that the support the Government provided at secondary school level and at third level for devices in order that students from disadvantaged areas can access education is crucial. Finally, the Grow Remote initiative and the just transition funding have been crucial in supporting remote working hubs in particular areas in the midlands and the west.

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