Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
30. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for civil servants in her Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28915/26]
View answer31. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for staff that work for any agencies under the remit of her Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; if this policy is under the control of the agency itself or if it is directed by the Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28934/26]
View answer32. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence if any review is ongoing in relation to her Department’s policy on flexible working and remote working for civil servants in her Department, particularly in the context of increased fuel prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28952/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 31 and 32 together.
In line with the Government’s commitment to remote and flexible working in the public sector, my Department launched its Blended Working Policy in late October 2022 in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations.
Employees can apply to avail of a blended working pattern through the centralised online application system facilitated by the National Shared Services Organisation (NSSO) for three days remote working each week. Due to the business requirements and nature of work in a small number of areas within my Department, working from home is only feasible one day per week in a few specific roles. There is no obligation on employees to avail of blended working if they do not wish to do so. There are no inconsistences in the policy based on seniority.
There are three bodies under the aegis of my Department; the Army Pensions Board, the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces and the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces. All support staff to these bodies are civil servants employed by my Department and are therefore governed by the working policies and regulations of the Civil Service and implemented by my Department.
It is envisaged that a review of my Department's Blended Working Policy will be conducted, during 2026, to ensure that it continues to meet the business needs of the Department, that it is being applied in line with the principles set out in the Framework and that any learnings from its application to date are captured. This review is planned as part of the operational work of my Department as it was considered timely in view of the passage of time since the policy was introduced. The decision to complete a review was taken prior to the fuel price crisis.
My Department’s policy will continue to operate within the parameters of the Government’s Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations.
