Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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47. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment 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. [41951/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is currently working in line with Government COVID 19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible. Over the period of the pandemic staff in the Department have worked hard under difficult circumstances to advance and deliver on our vision of a climate neutral, sustainable and digitally connected Ireland.  

A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. One of the key objectives of the Blended Working Framework is to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to move to 20% remote working. It is anticipated that my Department’s Blended Working Policy will be in place by Q1 2022 in line with central Government guidance.  A key aim of the policy will be to balance and support the business needs of the  Department with retaining the flexibility and benefits of remote working.

The Department has two regional offices in Cavan and Wexford and we will be encouraging staff living in these regions to take advantage of these buildings as hubs for remote working. The ICT equipment costs arising from remote working is just over €290,000. Since March 2020, phone-related cost have amounted to just over €28,000.

The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.