I am seeking an update on the proposed introduction of the right to request remote working following the public consultation which closed in May. Rural communities around the country have benefited greatly from people being able to work remotely, and it is undoubtedly a trend that some people will wish to continue. We have seen amazing projects come on stream in Mayo, such as the DigiWest hub in Swinford and the Gteic facilities in the Gaeltacht regions, such as, for example, in Belmullet. Many more broadband connection points, BCPs, are being supplied, which provide additional resources to local entrepreneurs and workers in surrounding communities. We now need to ensure that employees have clarity on their rights to continue this trend if they so choose and guide employers on such requests. I would, therefore, appreciate if the Tánaiste could advise on the up-to-date situation regarding legislation around the right to request remote working, when the legislation will be brought to the Cabinet and when it will be debated in the House.

As part of the remote working strategy, the Government committed to legislating to give workers the right to request remote working. Responsibility for that legislation now falls to me and the Minister of State, Deputy English. We intend to have heads of the Bill - the general scheme - published in this parliamentary session and the legislation itself published in the first quarter of next year, with a view to enactment.