Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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682. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has any concerns around the recent announcement of changes to the hybrid working policy of a company (details supplied), and before that by another financial institution to reduce their staff working under the hybrid model; and if he will consider reviewing national employment guidance on these matters. [45388/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The sudden onset of widespread remote working during the pandemic has led to a broader acceptance by employers and workers of remote working as a viable long-term option, along with increased interest in flexible working arrangements and work life balance more broadly. Remote, hybrid and flexible working arrangements have become a new normal for many workers. The most recent data from the Central Statistics Office show that in the second quarter of 2025, over 1 million (or 36%) persons reported working from home at least some of the time. Within this, over half a million (555,500) persons were usually working from home.

The Government is committed to facilitating remote and flexible working in a way which maximises economic, social and environmental benefits. The Government delivered all 15 actions outlined in the National Remote Strategy. These include legislating for the right to request a remote working arrangement through the under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, significant investment in Ireland’s remote working hub and broadband infrastructure and the provision of remote work guidance for workers and businesses. The National Remote Work Strategy was overseen the by the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group based in my Department. Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, re-affirms this commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers

The right to request a remote working arrangement is available to all employees under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. This right was commenced on the 6th of March 2024. The right to a request flexible working arrangement, such as adjusted working patterns or reduced hours, is available to parents and carers under the Act. The flexible working provisions of the Act are under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Our legislative framework provides all workers with the right to request a remote working arrangement from their employer. We have not excluded any category of worker or occupation from this right within the legislation.

However, not all occupations, industries, or particular roles within an enterprise will be appropriate or suitable for remote working. Providing a right to request supports and facilitates remote working in Ireland, and at the same time, supports a productive and competitive business environment. In addition to this, Government cannot dictate terms agreed between an employee and employer, nor can the Government become involved in disputes between parties.

Under the Act, employers and employees are obliged to have regard to a Code of Practice when considering applications for remote working arrangements. The Code of Practice provides practical guidance for employers and employees on how to comply with the legislation. The Code also encourages employers to develop a work life balance policy that includes provisions for remote working and flexible working arrangements and provides templates to assist employers and employees.

Employees are able to refer a dispute to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where an employer fails to fulfil their obligations under the Act. In addition, the Code is admissible in evidence in proceedings before a court, the Labour Court or the WRC.

My Department will be commencing a review of the operation of the remote working provisions of the Act, not earlier than one year and not later than two years after the commencement of the Act, in line with the provisions of the legislation.