Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

348. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of personnel within the Defence Forces who are currently working from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5689/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defence Forces, in line with other civil and public service organisations, have adhered to public health advice and to the Guidance for Public Service Employers published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. 

In accordance with the Government Direction on essential services, Defence Forces operations are continuing, at home and overseas, albeit under revised conditions which are designed to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of its personnel.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that where appropriate, the Defence Forces facilitate the periodic working from home of some personnel. However, given the fundamental nature of military service, the organisation has a very limited capacity in this regard, as many Defence Forces appointments are not suitable to this practice.

Working from home is utilised for specific appointments for which it is suited and having regard to the requirement to develop and maintain an appropriate level of military capability. Consequently numbers can and will vary and I am advised that it is not possible to provide a definitive number at any given time.

With regard to the recent publication of the "Making Remote Work: National Remote Work Strategy" by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the commitments made in the Programme for Government relating to remote working across the public sector, I can confirm that the Defence Organisation is examining these policies and commitments in the context of the unique nature of military service and the requirement to deliver effective military capability when and where required.