Sinn Féin spokesperson on enterprise, trade, and employment, Louise O’Reilly TD, said further delays to the ‘Code of Practice’ on the right to request remote working is extremely regrettable and accused the government of dragging their feet on the matter.

The Fingal TD urged the government to bring forward the ‘Code of Practice’ without delay so employees and employers can have certainty.

Speaking in the Dáil this morning, Teachta O’Reilly said:

“A legislative right to request remote working was promised back in 2021.

“Unfortunately, the delivery of this right has been beset by delays, mistakes and missed deadlines.

“Some weeks ago, the Department of Enterprise Trade, and Employment stated that the WRC ‘Code of Practice’ on the right to request remote working would be published by the 31st of January.

“That date has come and gone, and the ‘Code of Practice’ has still not been published.

“The government has dragged their feet on this matter for far too long, and it is causing serious concern for employees and employers alike.

“Business owners and trade unions have expressed concern that work patterns developed are being undone by the delay in the ‘Code of Practice’.

“It is unacceptable that nearly three years after a right to request remote working was promised that the government still cannot give a timeline for when the ‘Code of Practice’ will be published and that right delivered.

“The WRC have completed their work and sent the finalised code to government; it is now up to the Minister for Enterprise to expedite the publication of the ‘Code of Practice’ on remote working so employees and employers can have certainty.”