Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the percentage of staff in his Department working from home for at least two days per week, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26558/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department’s Blended Working Policy was introduced in 2022 following 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. After two years of operation the policy was reviewed, again in consultation with staff, in 2024.

The policy supports my Department’s objective to be an employer of choice and 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. However, it is important to note that many of the services provided by my Department and the bodies and agencies in the Justice sector are staffed by dedicated officials on a national 24/7/365 basis, many of whom are required to be full time in the workplace. Given the diverse nature of the work undertaken throughout my Department, the number of days that staff are required to attend the office is dependent on the business needs of each area.

The policy, which promotes a team-based approach, provides for attendance in the workplace for a minimum of two days a week. At present, 71% of staff in my Department are approved to work remotely between 2 and 3 days per week, in accordance with this policy, however, they may choose, to attend the office more frequently. For this reason, it is not possible to answer the Deputy’s question definitively.

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.