Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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174. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to reports that the staff at SOLAS have not returned to the office and continue to work remotely without access to many files, creating backlogs for service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5245/23]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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SOLAS has advised that their current arrangements, in place since July 2022, involve staff attending the office at a minimum of two days per week, one on the organisation's anchor day (designated as Wednesday), and one additional day, a team day, determined by the business unit. SOLAS note that this has been very successful to date. Staff have access to all information, all systems and all files with the SOLAS office being open throughout the COVID 19 Pandemic, and key staff were present to ensure continuity of service at all times. SOLAS is unaware of any reported incidents of backlogs for services users as a result of staff being unable to access files.

SOLAS are currently rolling out their approved Blended Working Policy which is fully aligned to the DPER Blended Working Policy.