Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026
18. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding any engagement he is having with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in relation to supporting the increase in flexible work practices in the context of increasing fuel prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra19. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [28913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra20. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [28932/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra21. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment 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. [28950/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 19, 20 and 21 together.
Civil servants can apply for blended working arrangements within my Department. The current blended working policy allows for a minimum 2 days or 40% office attendance on either specified weekly remote working days, or a percentage remote working per week / fortnight / 4-week period as set by the business unit.
Civil servants in my Department can also apply for flexible or remote working patterns in addition to the blended working arrangements and these applications are processed in line with the WRC Codes of Practice and the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
I am advised that there are no discrepancies in my Department in the application of these policies or practices based on seniority.
I can confirm that my Department's policy on blended working is currently under review. This is a previously planned periodical review and is not in response to global events. The review will incorporate flexible working and remote working arrangements.
I am not engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, in relation to these matters. My Department will continue to be guided by prevailing arrangements across the Civil Service in relation to the implementation of these policies.
Flexible and remote working policies are an operational matter for each agency. In relation to any discrepancy in these policies based on seniority, the information sought in the Question is also an operational matter for each of the agencies concerned and, as such, it is not information held by my Department.
It is suggested that the Deputy contact the agencies directly in relation to this matter. Contact details for each body is set out in the attached document.
