Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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420. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he is taking to promote or facilitate remote working for staff in his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department; the costs this has generated in terms of the provision of laptops, desktop computers or contributions to wi-fi costs or phone-related expenses; the number of staff who have applied for permission to work from home on a permanent or hybrid-model basis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41953/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs supports the aims of the National Remote Working Strategy and is committed to implementing a model of blended working that will provide flexibility to staff, while supporting the continued delivery of high quality services to Government and the Irish people.

While a formalised policy is currently under consideration and due for development by March 2022, it will align with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service organisations.

At present, and with the exception of the Passport Office, the majority of staff continue to work remotely in line with Government guidance. This has been achieved through the use of all-in-one laptop devices, the majority of which were issued prior to the pandemic.  

Coupled with this, the Department late last year approved the rollout of a Reimbursement for Home Working Equipment scheme. This scheme covers the costs associated with the purchase of a home office set-up subject to certain limits and includes provision for a desk, chair, monitor, keyboard and mouse. To date the Department has spent €156,000 on this scheme.