Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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154. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of any planned changes to remote working arrangements applying to staff in his Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6695/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department’s Blended Working (BW) Policy was introduced in August 2022 following extensive consultation with staff and management 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 BW 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 BW policy, which promotes a team-based approach, provides for attendance in the workplace for a minimum of two days a week. However, given the range of services provided by my Department, in the immigration area for example, there can be a requirement for attendance which varies up to and including full-time workplace attendance in many instances.

My Department has introduced a requirement for a minimum of four weeks full time on-site attendance as part of the onboarding process for all staff taking up a new role, to facilitate training, integration with teams, relationship building and familiarisation with the systems, culture and values of the organisation.

The BW policy was updated in 2024 following a review and staff consultation. The next scheduled review of the policy is in August 2026.