Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
3. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for civil servants in his Department; and if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority. [28928/26]
View answer4. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for staff that work for any agencies under the remit of his Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; and if this policy is under the control of the agency itself or if it is directed by the Department. [28946/26]
View answer5. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach if any review is ongoing in relation his Department’s policy on flexible working and remote working for civil servants in his Department, particularly in the context of increased fuel prices. [28964/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 3, 4 and 5 together.
The Department of the Taoiseach’s Blended Working Policy provides a procedure for Departmental staff in eligible posts to apply for blended working arrangements. In the case of full-time employees, the Policy provides for a minimum attendance of three days per week in the office; one of which should be a team anchor day. Business needs often require attendance in the office for more than three days per week and the Policy allows for that.
The Policy has been developed in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations and does not include any discrepancy based on seniority. The Policy is subject to review on an ongoing basis to be responsive to the evolving business needs of the Department.
Formal reviews of the Policy will be aligned to the Blended Working Evaluation Model developed by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of the Department. NESDO provides blended working arrangements for staff under their own Blended Working Policy. There is no discrepancy in NESDO’s Blended Working Policy based on seniority.
