Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

80. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason civil and public servants cannot avail of the working-from-home allowance of €3.20 per week. [7545/21]

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

During this exceptional time, whereby a significant number of public servants are required to work from home, in line with public health advice, my Department has published central guidance on working arrangements during COVID-19 for the Civil and Public Service. This guidance is available at: Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during Covid 19.

As set out in the guidance, public servants can make claims directly to Revenue in relation to costs incurred while working from home (e.g. electric, gas, broadband):

Public service employers should not pay a daily allowance (e.g. €3.20 per day) to their employees in respect of WFH. It is open to employees to make claims directly from Revenue in respect of actual costs incurred in working from home at the end of the relevant tax year, in accordance with the relevant tax laws. Any claim in this regard is solely a matter for the individual concerned.

Further details for individuals on how to claim expenses on tax returns are available on the Revenue website in the following document: