I thank Deputy Lawlor for bringing forward this legislation. As a Minister in the previous Government, I was proud to lead on the introduction and passage of the original work-life balance Act of 2023. As we know, this introduced a right to request remote working for all workers. It also introduced the right of certain workers to request flexible working, which included remote working but also flexible work schedules or reduced working hours. That legislation also introduced some other important improvements in workplaces. It extended the right of women returning to work from maternity leave to request breastfeeding breaks. Originally, the right had been for only six months. It is now for two years. It introduced five days' unpaid leave for medical care purposes and, importantly, it introduced paid domestic violence leave, making Ireland one of the first European countries to do so. When these provisions, particularly the provisions around remote working and flexible working, were introduced in 2023, they were novel. Now, in 2026, it is right that we review and strengthen the rights that were given to employees in 2023. That strengthening is particularly important in light of the push-back on remote working we are seeing from many employers. We are seeing that from large international companies and some SMEs, but we are also seeing it from some semi-State organisations. I am particularly disappointed to see the latter take place. All elements of the State should be supporting remote working because the State is seeing the benefit from it. People can now have significant roles in our Civil Service and public service but do not just have to be based in Dublin or in the commuter counties. They can be living all across the country. The legislative change Deputy Lawlor is putting forward fundamentally understands that our economic health is intrinsically linked with the well-being of workers, students and carers in our country. That economic health is linked to the ability to live, travel and pursue lives in a way that is facilitated by the State. I hope the Minister and the Minister of State hear that the mood across this House is to strengthen and broaden the rights around remote working, not just to leave the status quo as it is.

Sentiment score: 0.23