Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
79. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for civil servants in his Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28917/26]
View answer80. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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,; if this policy is under the control of the agency itself or if it is directed by the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28936/26]
View answer81. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if any review is ongoing in relation to his Department’s policy on flexible working and remote working for civil servants in his Department, particularly in the context of increased fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28954/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 80 and 81 together.
My Department published its first Blended Working policy in June 2022. That policy was revised and re-communicated to all staff in June 2023.
Under the current policy, staff can work from home for up to three days per week, provided business needs are met. Differences in blended working patterns are based solely on role and service demands, and are not linked to seniority.
The policy is currently under review, with a view to being re-published later this year. This review started in 2025 with staff consultation and evidence gathering, and the HR team continues to work closely with leaders, staff and unions to implement the optimum blended working policy that best serves delivery for the citizen and for our stakeholders, while taking into account the views and experiences of staff on the ground.
In respect of the Agencies that come within my Department’s remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions and any policies related to blended, flexible and remote working are an operational matter for those Agencies and are not directed by my Department. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the agencies for direct reply.
