Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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150. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit are accommodating requests for persons to work from home. [42766/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department has robustly facilitated remote working for staff in roles across all office locations, where feasible, over the last 18 months.  We have been particularly conscious of the need to minimise the pressure on the public transport system to support essential workers travelling safely. This has included the supply of IT equipment to enable the majority of Departmental staff to work effectively and productively at home. Departments and Offices are currently working in line with Government COVID-19 guidance, which provides for home working to continue where possible.  With restrictions now lifting, there are extensive plans being implemented to enable staff to transition to a mix of working together in the office while maintaining an element of working from home, gradually and safely, until a blended working scheme is in place

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. 

My Department will develop its own Blended Working arrangements in line with the central policy framework. Officers of the Department will be invited to apply once these arrangements have been finalised.

I have asked the aegis bodies to respond directly to you on this matter. If you do not hear from them within 10 days, you should contact my office.