Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1015. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has examined the role of remote working in supporting parents with childcare responsibilities; whether this will inform future childcare policy or workforce participation strategies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaking Remote Work, the National Remote Work Strategy states that while remote working should never be used as a substitute for any form of childcare, it provides families with more flexibility around which they can base their early learning and childcare choices. While remote working is a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) under First 5, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) and DETE committed to delivering a right to request flexible working available for parents and carers. The right to request flexible working for parents and carers, which was introduced by the Departments through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, was commenced on 6 March 2024.
Parents and carers have a right to request flexible working under the legislation. Five days leave per year for medical care purposes was also introduced. The entitlement to breastfeeding breaks was extended to two years after the child’s birth. As noted, the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 also introduced the right to request remote working for all employees. A Code of Practice was prepared by the Workplace Relations Commission which includes guidance for employers and employees on their obligations regarding compliance. A review of the Right to Request Remote Working in the Act is currently being finalised by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
Under the Act, there is also a provision for a review of the Right to Request Flexible Working provisions in the legislation. This review is due to be undertaken in the coming months. The review will also include further research on what additional flexibilities could be introduced for parents and carers.
The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 was published in November 2025 and includes amongst its seven objectives for reducing inequalities between women and men the “Having a fair Share” objective, aimed at the financial empowerment of women, and the “Being Supported” objective which focuses on supporting women who are giving and who are receiving care. As part of both these particular objectives, a major emphasis has been placed on expanding the flexibilities afforded to women, parents and carers in the workforce. The implementation of the Strategy is to be laid out and monitored in two Action Plans, the first of which is under development and due for publication shortly. The review to be undertaken on the right to request flexible working will also include further research on what additional flexibilities could be introduced for parents and carers.
The National Strategy for Women and Girls will work with existing Strategies and policy frameworks across Government in achieving its objectives. First 5 is Ireland’s Whole-of-Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families. The Strategy has a pivotal focus on providing a broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring. Under First 5, this Department committed to delivering a right to request flexible working available for parents and carers. Further supports will also be considered in the context of the development of the new First 5 Implementation Plan for 2026-2028.
