Flexible Work and Commuter Delays: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-01-21
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Seamus Healy (IND), Tipperary South

Remote, flexible and hybrid working is here to stay. Recent demands to return to the office from banks, IT companies and Departments seem to challenge that view. Long-term arrangements must be put in place for this type of working. These working arrangements are essential for modern work-life balance and must not be treated as temporary or pandemic-related. These working conditions must be based on a legal framework, giving an entitlement to these arrangements.
Recent surveys by the Fórsa trade union found that 86% of members were interested in remote working, with 80% preferring a hybrid situation, that is, work at home with time in the office. A legal framework must be put in place covering, but not exclusive to, protection against forced return to the office. Arbitrary blanket or full-time return to the office must be outlawed. There must be a right to disconnect. These arrangements must not erode working conditions and must protect the right to disconnect outside of working hours. There must be fair access, that is, a legal right of access for all suitable roles to these arrangements. Vitally, an appeals system must be put in place whereby any refusal by an employer can be challenged and employers cannot give vague or spurious reasons for refusal.
These arrangements must be voluntary. Staff must have a right to opt out and equality of rights. These workers must have the same rights, protections and promotional opportunities as office-based staff. Health and safety issues and guidelines must be in place, in particular for workstations and those with mental health difficulties. Particular groups must also have access to these arrangements, including carers and staff with particular health needs. Of course, there is a climate change and pollution aspect to this, which is important. There would be less pollution and a reduced carbon footprint. Workers are currently stuck in cars for hours on end and also incur increased insurance costs, etc. A legal basis is required immediately.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-01-21/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-31T01:00:51+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-21