Flexible Work and Commuter Delays: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Louise O'Reilly (SF), Dublin Fingal West

It really works for people. I have seen it in workplaces, as a representative and as a trade union official. However, at the time, when we were processing that claim, there was something of a paternalistic attitude applied to the workers. It was almost as if remote working was a treat or a favour the boss might give you if you were perhaps good enough but one that could be withdrawn at any moment and have the capacity to upend your family and work-life balance. It is shocking that the attitude displayed 25 years ago is still in vogue today with this Government.
There were nearly 6,000 incidents on the M50 in 2025, almost 800 of those being car crashes. That is nearly two a day. Some 60% of people in my town of Skerries commute by car. They have absolutely no choice. For those who do not commute by car, they get on overcrowded trains or stand and wait for buses, "ghost buses" as we call them, that sometimes do not arrive. It is past time for the environment, workers, work-life balance, productivity, communities and families that proper consideration is given to workers having the right to remotely work.
Workers are not stupid. The same as me and the Minister of State, they know what works for them. They want to do well in their work and they know they can do that by working remotely.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21