Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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250. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Government policy during the pandemic can be taken to mean that public servants were protected from short time working notwithstanding the commercial position of the employer as per a Labour Court recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3203/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department developed Guidance and FAQs on working arrangements and temporary assignments during COVID-19 for civil and public service employers. In this guidance, individual employers are advised of the need to identify which of their employees fall into the category of civil and public service employees.

This Guidance and FAQs document has been continually updated to reflect public health and Government policy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The FAQs have been prepared to assist employees and management in the Civil and Public Service to understand the process, rules and expectations associated with work arrangements during the COVID-19 across the public service.

In order to continue to facilitate physical distancing and public health requirements, Civil and Public Service employers are providing for working from home where possible, and continuing temporary alternative arrangements e.g. flexible shifts, staggered hours, longer opening hours, blended working patterns, weekend working etc., where feasible.