Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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178. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of any planned changes to remote working arrangements applying to staff in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6684/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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As required under the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations, my Department implemented its own Blended Working Policy in 2022 to facilitate a mix of remote working and attendance in the workplace, within a formalised structure that supports the business needs of the Department.

My Department is committed to embracing opportunities for remote and blended working, to build a more dynamic, agile and responsive Civil Service, while sustaining strong standards of performance and high levels of productivity. This policy enables staff to enter into a formal arrangement to work remotely up to two days per week depending on the suitability of the applicant and their role for blended working arrangements, as well as the needs of the relevant team and business area.

I should point out that remote working is not available for many of my department's staff working in front line areas such as meat plants or ports and airports.

In line with best practice policies including the Blended Working policy are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they remain current and fit for purpose and it is following such reviews that any changes may be incorporated. This policy is currently due for review in 2025.