Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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73. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department has established a working from home policy for its employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13548/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy, that on 23rd March 2020 my Department issued an interim working from home policy document to staff to address health and safety issues in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In addition the Department has to date issued seven (7) Health and Wellness bulletins publication to staff to assist and advise on best practices when working from home and guidance relating to continued engagement with the Department and fellow colleagues. Areas covered in the bulletins included guidance in relation to ergonomics set up and related exercises staff members can undertake, also included were references and guidance to the  eight (8) Dimensions of Wellness and the five (5) ways of wellbeing for Mental Health so as ensure staff the continued wellness and positive mental health of staff of the Department. On an ongoing basis, staff of the Department are provided with information and contact details for the confidential service provided by the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service, further details are available at .

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has developed guidelines for civil service organisations (Working from Home during COVID-19 – Guidance for Civil Service Organisations), which is intended to assist civil service organisations as long as necessary to address the health and safety risks of COVID-19.  These guidelines are due to issue shortly.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has commenced work on the development of a remote working policy which will address remote working in the longer term for the civil service.