John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to introduce the right to flexible working for parents of young children, in view of the priority afforded to quality of working life in the national workplace strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18107/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach launched the report of the forum on the workplace of the future on 9 March 2005. The report contains 42 separate recommendations, which form the basis for a national workplace strategy. The strategy aims to create a climate conducive to supporting change and new forms of work organisation at national and organisational level.

The specific recommendation under the category quality of working life in relation to flexible working is as follows: "Work-life balance policies should continue to be promoted, consistent with individual business needs, in a manner that ensures that the careers of individuals who take up flexible arrangements are not adversely affected."

A high level group comprising senior representatives from a number of Departments, ICTU, IBEC and semi-State agencies and bodies will oversee the appropriate implementation of the national workplace strategy, including aspects relating to work life balance.