Pringle says flexible, remote work will revitalise rural areas and increase opportunity

By Thomas Pringle
Updated: 9th March 2022

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said the introduction of flexible and remote working will revitalise rural areas and give equal opportunity to all.

Addressing the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “By allowing better access to employment for all, we would have a much better and more inclusive workforce, which is what we should aspire to have.

“Remote working has allowed many of my constituents in Donegal to take up employment in companies that are based in Dublin or even further afield, which they previously wouldn’t be able to do. It has also given the freedom to many of my constituents to return to Donegal, to their families and friends, and the place they call home.

“Remote working has been a relief to my constituency, and for many constituencies in the West I’m sure, who have seen decline at an incredible rate over the last few decades, of population, of activity, of services and of businesses. Remote working has breathed life to our towns again, we have all seen the proof of this during the pandemic.”

He said his own town of Killybegs has seen a new lease on life, with many new entrepreneurial ventures. He said: “It just shows the great things people can do, when given the opportunity and the flexibility.”

Deputy Pringle was speaking in support of a Labour motion on flexible and remote work.

He pointed to the recent survey by the job site Indeed that showed up to 40 per cent of women in Ireland considered quitting their job in the last year due to “burn-out and the pressures of family life”.

Deputy Pringle said: “This demonstrates that this is not an issue of individual employers or organisations, but a systemic issue that requires a widespread policy approach.” He said employers must create supportive working environments and address the challenges women face in the workplace, and a part of this would be to introduce flexible and remote working.

The Right to Request Remote Work Bill does not go far enough to ensure people are entitled to work remotely, he said.

Deputy Pringle said: “Covid-19 has shown us that many jobs can be done remotely and employers’ excuses that this cannot be done does not hold up anymore. Employers should be required to allow the option of remote working in cases where it is possible.” He said employers must also recognise employees’ “right to switch off” when they work from home.

The deputy said the introduction of remote and flexible working would provide support for the female workforce, reduce carbon emissions caused by commuting, “and would also allow and improve access to work to those who face obstacles in taking up employment, such as people with disabilities, those with long-term health conditions and those from rural communities”.

Deputy Pringle said: “This is why it is so important to introduce flexible and remote working, to revitalise our rural areas and to give equal opportunity to all.”