Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made in developing the connected hubs system as persons return to work following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. [8479/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy, clearly recognises the transformative effect that remote working can have for employers and employees all across the country. 

In recognition of this, my Department continues to invest heavily in the establishment and development of remote work hub facilities through various funding streams.

In May last year I launched the National Connected Hubs network - connectedhubs.ie. There are currently 189 hubs live on the platform, with this number rising on an ongoing basis.  This represents significant progress within the first year of the existence of the network.

The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating the needs of different employers and employees across Ireland.

To date my focus has been on establishing the network and on achieving the initial critical mass.As the project develops, my focus  has now shifted to the next stage of development. 

To this end, my officials have been consulting with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network.  In addition, I will shortly announce the commencement of a major promotional campaign which will serve to raise awareness of the services available on the National Hub Network.  This shift of focus will help to ensure that the connected hubs network continues to provide a very beneficial service to employers and employees as Covid restrictions are eased.

I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the ongoing development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.