Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
158. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the flexible working and remote working policies in place for civil servants in this Department; if there is any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28924/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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. [28942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 159 and 160 together.
My Department provides general civil service flexible working options such as flexi-time and flexi-leave which are available to specific grades, alongside flexible working options such as shorter working year, work sharing and career breaks. Applications for these flexible working options are approved based on the business needs of each area.
My Department’s Blended Working Policy was introduced in 2022, following consultation with staff and senior management. The Policy applies to the core Department and agencies under my Department’s aegis, for whom my Department provide HR services*. Our Policy was developed in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). After two years of operation the policy was reviewed, again in consultation with staff, in 2024.
The policy supports my Department’s objective to be an employer of choice and a dynamic, agile and responsive organisation, in terms of where, when and how teams work, while sustaining high standards of service to the public, performance and productivity. It is important to note that many of the services provided by my Department and the bodies and agencies in the Justice sector are staffed by dedicated officials on a national 24/7/365 basis, many of whom are required to be full time in the workplace. Given the diverse nature of the work undertaken, the number of days that staff are required to attend the office is not based on seniority but is dependent on the business needs of each area.
The policy, which promotes a team-based approach, provides for attendance in the workplace for a minimum of two days a week. At present, eligible staff in my Department are approved to work remotely between 2 and 3 days per week, in accordance with this policy, however, they may choose, to attend the office more frequently.
There is a requirement for a minimum of four weeks full time on-site attendance as part of the onboarding process for new staff in my Department. This is applicable to all staff taking up a new role, to facilitate training, integration with teams, relationship building and familiarisation with the systems, culture and values of the organisation.
My Department keeps its Blended Working Policy under review and will take into account the experience to date and any improvements or changes that may need to be made to ensure the policy continues to operate effectively for staff and the public. The Policy was last updated in 2024 following a review and staff consultation. The next scheduled review of the policy is in August 2026.
With regard to arrangements in the other agencies under the aegis of my Department, I am informed that the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Data Protection Commission, Fiosrú, Gambling Regulatory Authority, Irish Prison Service, Judicial Council and Legal Aid Board all operate their own Blended Working policies. These policies are under the control of each agency itself and align with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations and business needs. There are no discrepancies based on seniority. Reviews of the policies are carried out periodically.
*My Department currently provides HR services for the following agencies under its remit: Dublin Coroner’s Service, Insolvency Service of Ireland, International Protection Appeals Tribunal, Cuan, Forensic Science Ireland, Office of the Independent Examiner, Office of the Inspector of Prisons, Office of the State Pathologist, the Parole Board, the Private Security Authority, and the Probation Service.
