Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
55. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for a list of dates of meetings for the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group, the membership of the group and whether changes to hybrid working policies in companies in Ireland has or will be considered. [52440/25]
View answerIreland's National Remote Work Strategy - enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/making-remote-work.html - was published on January 15, 2021, by my Department with a goal to make remote working a permanent option in the Irish workforce. The strategy aims to strengthen employer and employee rights, invest in remote working infrastructure, and foster a more flexible work environment.
My Department co-ordinated the implementation of the Strategy’s actions through an Interdepartmental Group. The Group met seven times between March 2012 and May 2023 and substantial progress was made in implementing the report’s actions. The group has not met recently, so membership lists are out of date.
The overall purpose of the strategy, and the group, was to underpin and facilitate remote working rather than to attempt to determine how companies should roll out their own hybrid working policies. However, a national marketing campaign – In Good Company – is being launched in October to encourage SMEs to adopt flexible hub-based working models. The 2025 National Hub Summit, taking place in November, will bring together all relevant parties from across government, enterprise, community development and the hub ecosystem.
Work continues in a range of areas to underpin remote working in Ireland, including those outlined below.
The Work Life Balance Act 2023, which establishes the right to request remote working for all workers – along with the right of parents and carers to request other forms of flexible working arrangement - and initiatives such as the National Remote Work Strategy, reflect the Government’s commitment to facilitating these changes in a way which maximises their economic, social and environmental benefits.
The right to request a remote working arrangement for all employees was commenced through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 on 6 March 2024. Employers are obliged to have regard to the Code of Practice and the other requirements of the Act when considering requests for remote working. Employees have recourse to the Workplace Relations Commission if the employer fails to comply with the legislation. Providing a right to request supports and facilitates remote working in Ireland, and at the same time, supports a productive and competitive business environment.
The legislation provides for 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. There are also provisions to conduct a review of the operation of the flexible working provisions of the Act and, as part of the review, consider whether the right to request a flexible working arrangement should be extended to all employees. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will be carrying out a review of the operation of the right to request remote working provisions of the Act by March 2026.
DETE continues to update its Guidance for Working Remotely webpage for employees and employers to support the safe and successful adoption of remote working practices.
The Government's commitment to promoting remote work is also evident through initiatives like the National Hub Network, facilitated by Connected Hubs. This initiative plays a vital role in supporting the National Remote Work Strategy by providing accessible, well-equipped remote working spaces throughout Ireland. With 393 hubs across the country, and plans to expand to 400 by the end of 2025, Connected Hubs is helping to build vibrant local economies, revitalising communities and offering diverse services to remote workers, SMEs, and start-ups. These hubs are essential in enhancing labour market participation and promoting sustainable, flexible work options in line with Government policy.
The Connected Hubs network is a key driver in Ireland’s push to support remote work and regional development. Aligned with policies like Our Rural Future and the forthcoming National Hub Strategy, the initiative empowers individuals to work remotely while staying rooted in their communities. Hubs provide essential infrastructure and services, from co-working spaces and conference facilities to specialist resources like podcast studios and maker spaces. Beyond workspace provision, they offer vital business supports such as mentoring, start-up accelerators, and sector-specific programmes. By promoting innovation and collaboration, Connected Hubs is shaping the future of work while contributing to balanced regional growth and sustainable development across Ireland.
