Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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832. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills 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. [41954/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Staff of my department have been working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which had provided for home working to continue where possible. Following the Taoiseach's announcement on the 1st of September, my department is now in the process of planning for a phased return to the workplace

A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised in conjunction with employee representatives over the coming months. This framework will inform the development of organisation level blended working policies tailored to the specific requirements of each Department/Office, whilst ensuring a consistency of approach across key policy areas.

Information relating to remote working arrangements for the aegis bodies of my department and associated costs, along with costs generated within my department for the provision of laptops, mobile phones and data costs are set out in the links provided.