Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date in the National Remote Work Strategy; when it is expected to implement the recommendations from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50690/21]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department published ‘Making Remote Work’, the National Remote Work Strategy on January 15th, 2021.

The objective of the Strategy is to ensure that remote work is a permanent feature in the Irish workplace in a way that maximises economic, social and environmental benefits. The report is built on three pillars which are bolstered by underpinning conditions. These pillars are:

1. Create a Conducive Environment

2. Develop and Leverage a Remote Work Infrastructure

3. Build a Remote Work Policy and Guidance Framework

Under the pillars and underpinning conditions there are 15 actions to progress remote working now and inform decision-making into the future. My Department is focussed on the implementation of the Strategy. All of the Strategy’s actions have delivery dates in 2021. An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) has been monitoring the delivery of the actions. Three meetings of the IDG have taken place to date through which it has been demonstrated that good progress is underway. A further meeting will be held in November.

Key achievements to date include:

- The publication of the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in April 2021 by the WRC.

- On 20th August 2021 my Department published the results of the Public Consultation on the Right to Request Remote Work. Informed by the consultation and a review of international best practice the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill has commenced and I will be seeking Cabinet approval for the drafting of Heads of a Bill in Q4 2021.

- My Department is currently developing new Regional Enterprise Plans to 2024 in which there will be a focus on promoting remote working opportunities and investing in infrastructures across the nine regions.

- My Department also announced €10 million in funding for a new Regional Enterprise Transition Scheme. This scheme is administered by Enterprise Ireland includes a €500,000 Feasibility Study to assist enterprise development projects, including the development of remote working and enterprise infrastructure.

- ConnectedHubs.ie- Ireland’s first national digital hub network- was launched by DRCD at the end of May 2021. ConnectedHubs.ie will ultimately link over 400 hubs throughout the country.

- The Connected Hubs Call has awarded funding of €8.8m to 117 remote working hub projects in July to upgrade Ireland’s remote work infrastructure.

- Discussions are ongoing to find ways through which the rollout of the National Broadband Plan can be accelerated in order to improve connectivity in all parts of Ireland.

- Ongoing remote work promotion and skills training by a range of agencies including EI, IDA Ireland, WDC, Skillnet Ireland and ETBs.

- On June 28th, 2021, the Government launched the ‘Making Remote Work’ campaign across broadcast, print and social media to promote the Guidance for Working Remotely webpage. This webpage acts as a central access point for employers and employees and brings together the existing State guidance, legislation and advice on remote work into one place. The webpage includes an Employer Checklist to provide employers with a quick way to successfully navigate the adoption of remote working arrangements. The Government is encouraging workers and employers to discuss the kinds of remote working arrangements that may be suitable for their organisations.

- In Budget 2022, an income tax deduction for people working from home was announced. It amounts to 30 percent of the cost of vouched expenses for heat, electricity and broadband.