Written answers

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Flexible Work Practices

Photo of Seán FlemingSeán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

179. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when legislation will be commenced and the expected completion date in respect of blended working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15958/22]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I and the Government are acutely conscious that many workers place huge social value on workplace flexibility, and remote working plays a central role in enabling that increased flexibility to support a better work/life balance. There has been a significant long-term shift in attitudes to remote work amongst both employers and workers throughout the country.

Remote work is already a key consideration in government policy documents such as the National Economic Plan, the Climate Action Plan, the Town Centre Living initiative and the Smarter Travel Policy. The State is committed to increasing remote work adoption in Ireland through removing barriers, developing infrastructure, providing guidance, raising awareness and leading by example in this area.

In the context of Pillar 1 of the National Remote Work Strategy, published in January 2021, a commitment was made to legislate to provide employees with the right to request remote work. This is one of the key actions of the Strategy.

On 25th January the Government approved the priority drafting of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment commenced on 9th February.

The intention remains that the Bill will be progressed through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible.

Following publication of the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s Report on pre-legislative scrutiny, any recommendations made will be reviewed and considered.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.