Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department published the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021.

The Strategy identified 15 actions to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits.

My Department oversees the implementation of the Strategy’s actions through an Interdepartmental Group and very significant progress has been made. I would highlight the following actions delivered by various Government Departments and agencies:

- Legislating for the right to request remote working for all workers. In November, the Government agreed to integrate the right to request remote work into the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill as the most efficient and practical way to introduce this right.

The amended Bill passed Report and Final Stages in the Dáil on 7 December. It has now concluded all stages in the Dáil and has been sent to the Seanad.

- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the Workplace Relations Commission.

- An enhanced income tax deduction of 30 percent of heat, electricity and broadband expenses for remote workers announced in Budget 2022.

- The launch of the national Hub Network and the ConnectedHubs.ieplatform in May 2021.

- The allocation of €5m in funding to 81 digital hub projects across the country through the 2022 Connected Hubs Fund. This follows the award of almost €9m via the 2021 Connected Hubs Call.

- To date, a total of approximately €100m has been provided by the Government through various funding streams to support the development of hub infrastructure across the country.

- A new National Hub Strategy will launch in late 2023. The Strategy will aim to maximise the potential of the National Hub Network as an enabler of enterprise, rural and regional employment, sustainable and resilient communities and as a contributor to achieving to Ireland’s ambitious climate action goals.

- My Department launched new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 during spring 2022, which include a strong remote work focus.

-While the National Broadband Plan was impacted negatively by COVID-19, delivery of the Plan has gained momentum in recent months. This momentum will continue into 2023.

- The publication of the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in March.

- My Department is continuing to develop and promote its Guidance for Working Remotely webpage and Employer Checklist.

- The publication of an evaluation of the impacts of remote working in May which identified positive effects of remote work on productivity, the environment, regional development, private finances, and labour market participation.

I am satisfied that good progress is being made to ensure that Ireland is leading on remote work as a way of achieving balanced regional development, creating new job opportunities for people who want to live in rural Ireland and a more inclusive labour market.