Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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11. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has established a working from home policy for its employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my  Department, in line with other civil and public service organisations, has adhered to public health advice and to the Guidance for Public Service Employers published by the  Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  This has meant employees working from home where it is possible for them to do so, unless they need to attend the workplace to carry out essential work that cannot be discharged from home. Employees have been provided with information on working safely from home.

I understand that 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. 

In addition, I understand that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has also commenced work on the development of a remote working policy which will address remote working in the longer term for the civil service.