Flexible Work Practices

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Ceisteanna (263)

Barry Ward

Ceist:

263. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht 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. [28944/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department has 8 agencies under its aegis, the Charities Regulator; Water Safety Ireland; Pobal; Western Development Commission; Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga; Údarás na Gaeltachta; Foras na Gaeilge, and; the Ulster Scots Agency.

These agencies are independent entities, responsible for their own day to day operations, including Human Resource matters. This includes the organisations approaches to flexible working and remote or blended working. Notwithstanding this, I am informed that all agencies have flexible and blended working practices in place, which ensure business needs are met while supporting flexible working and remote working practices where viable. I am also informed that the agencies do not have any discrepancies in their policies based on seniority.