Written answers
Wednesday, 12 June 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
Flexible Work Practices
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
109. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department and each body and agency under the remit of her Department has achieved the Government-mandated public sector remote working target of 20%; when this was achieved in each instance; the current percentage of staff working remotely; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25692/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
My Department’s Blended Working Policy was introduced in 2022 following extensive consultation and was developed in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Blended Working policy supports my Department’s objective to be a dynamic, agile and responsive organisation, in terms of where, when and how teams work, while sustaining high standards of service to the public, performance and productivity. It is important to note that many of the services provided by bodies and agencies within the Justice sector are offered by dedicated staff on a national 24/7/365 basis.
The Blended Working policy, which promotes a team-based approach, provides for attendance in the workplace for a minimum of two days a week.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
| 20% Remote Target Achieved Y/N | Date Achieved | % of Staff Operating Blended Working(June 2024) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Justice | Y | May-22 | 62% |
| Agency/Aegis Body | |||
| Dublin Coroner’s Service | Y | May-22 | 45% |
| Forensic Science Ireland | Y | May-22 | 33% |
| Garda Síochána Inspectorate | Y | May-22 | 100% |
| Insolvency Service of Ireland | Y | May-22 | 97% |
| International Protection Appeals Tribunal | Y | May-22 | 83% |
| Irish Film Classification Office | Y | May-22 | 40% |
| Office of the Inspector of Prisons | Y | May-22 | 58% |
| The Parole Board | Y | May-22 | 62% |
| Private Security Authority | Y | May-22 | 66% |
| Probation Services | Y | May-22 | 71% |
| Property Services Regulatory Authority | Y | May-22 | 95% |
| Office of the State Pathologist | Y | May-22 | 50% |
| Legal Services Regulatory Authority(includes Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal staff) | Y | Mar-22 | 100% |
| Policing Authority | Y | Mar-22 | 100% |
| Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission | Y | Sep-22 | 98% |
| Criminal Assets Bureau | Y | Feb-23 | 32% |
| Courts Service | N | N/A | 11% - Courts sit in person and require on site working. Those working in non-court operational roles can avail of remote working. |
| Legal Aid Board | Y | Dec-22 | 69% |
| Data Protection Commission | Y | Mar-22 | 98% |
| An Garda Síochána | N | N/A | An Garda Síochána’s policy on blended working is nearing completion. Garda civilian personnel are currently availing of blended working; however, the nature of the work carried out by the majority of employees does not allow for the Government mandated public sector remote working target of 20% to be met. |
| Irish Prison Service (Civil Service Admin Staff) | Y | May-22 | 61% |
| Judicial Council | Y | Mar-22 | 83% |
No comments