5th March 2026
Enhanced Code of Practice on Right to Request Remote Work to be developed
Minister for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon TD, and the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke have published the statutory review of Ireland’s remote work request provisions under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
The comprehensive review shows that, when used, the legislation is working effectively in practice, with 94% of employees’ requests approved, either fully or in part. Employers report minimal administrative burden operating the system.
The key findings in the review of the legislation:
- 94% approval rate for remote working requests
- low administrative burden reported by employers across all sectors
- low use and awareness of the legislation – particularly among those living in rural communities
- the legislation is functioning as intended, with no amendments being made at this time
Ireland was one of the first EU countries to introduce a legal right to request remote work, supported by the Codes of Practice on the Right to Disconnect and on Flexible and Remote Work.
The review shows the legislation is working well in practice: 94% of requests were approved, fully or in part, and employers report minimal administrative burden. However, use and awareness of the right remains low, particularly in rural areas, and knowledge of the WRC Code of Practice is lower still. The findings of the review are informed by a nationally representative survey of employees and employers and a public consultation.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:
“The review shows that when employees and employers engage with the legislative framework, it works – supporting flexibility and improved work life balance. Remote work has the potential to open up opportunities far beyond our major cities, and it is vital that people in every part of the country understand the rights available to them. The recommendations within the report will ensure that the right to request remote work is transparent and understood by both employers and employees, contributing to an attractive labour market and a competitive, future‑focused business environment.”
Minister Dillon said:
“Remote working is now a fundamental part of how Ireland works. This review clearly shows that when employees use their right to request remote working, it delivers, with over 90% of requests approved in full or in part. This is the kind of balanced, practical flexibility that we want to see nationwide.
“But it also tells us that too many people are still not aware that the right exists. A national awareness campaign will help ensure workers and employers across the country to become aware and understand that the right exists.”
Next steps
- A targeted National Information Campaign will begin this year to ensure employees and employers understand the right to request remote work and how the process operates.
- Minister Dillon will request the Workplace Relation Commission to revise and strengthen the Code of Practice to:
- provide clearer templates and guidance for employees applying for remote work
- support employers to give comprehensive and transparent reasons for decisions
- clarify the timelines set out in the legislation
- support more structured consultation between employers and employees when considering remote work options and promote use of the Workplace Relations Commission mediation services
- The Government will continue to support Remote Work:
- high-speed broadband rollout to 1.1 million people
- National Hub Network and National Hub Strategy
- tax reliefs for working from home
- ongoing research, including the forthcoming National Economic and Social Council analysis on remote and hybrid work
- No legislative changes are proposed, as the Act is operating effectively and proportionately.
Minister Dillon added:
“With more than 8,000 consultation responses, it’s clear remote working matters deeply to people. Businesses are implementing the processes effectively. I will now ask the WRC to update the Code of Practice so guidance is as clear and user‑friendly as possible.”
“Remote work continues to be supported through investment in national broadband, remote working hubs, and tax relief for home working.”
The report can be viewed here: Report of Statutory Review on the Right to Request Remote Work Legislation
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