Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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459. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to facilitate remote working within his Department in particular to encourage remote working for those who live in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42707/21]

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 laptops, the majority of which were issued prior to the pandemic.

Coupled with this, the Department earlier this 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 both at HQ and across our mission network and includes provision for a desk, chair, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Combined these actions have supported our staff to work remotely.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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463. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are accommodating requests for persons to work from home. [42757/21]

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, the majority of staff continue to work remotely in line with Government guidance. This has been achieved through the use of laptops, the majority of which were issued prior to the pandemic. 

Coupled with this, the Department earlier this 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 both at HQ and across our mission network and includes provision for a desk, chair, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Combined these actions have supported our staff to work remotely.