Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

327. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to facilitate remote working of civil servants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26664/20]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department developed guidance for civil service organisations - Working from Home during COVID-19 Guidance for Civil Service Organisations - in response to the requirement by Government for employees to work from home where possible during COVID.

The purpose of this guidance, which issued to civil service employers in June, was to support the health and wellbeing of employees; to ensure good practice has been followed by employees when working from home during COVID; and to support the regular and effective delivery of service.

The Government, has committed, in the Programme for Government, to mandating public sector employers to move to 20% home and remote working in 2021.  In this context, my Department is now, as a matter of priority, working with employers across the civil service to develop the longer term approach to remote working in the sector. My officials are also working closely with the wider public sector to ensure a consistency of approach.