Labour’s enterprise spokesperson George Lawlor TD has called on Fine Gael Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke to press for remote working options for commuters as the energy crisis continues to escalate.
Lawlor said, “I’m calling on the Government to make a clear plea to business to let commuters work from home as the cost of fuel continues to rise. When it comes to the real crisis facing commuters across the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have been found lacking.”
“With schools across the country on Easter break this week, the roads are noticeably quieter. Commuters need assurances and support from this Government to request and receive remote working options after the Easter break to save money and conserve fuel instead of speaking hours commuting,” he said.
“We need a real focus on enabling people to work from home where possible. Remote working has proven benefits for workers, for families and for the wider economy. It reduces commuting costs and eases pressure on transport networks. Yet too many workers are now being required to return to the office without justification, increasing their daily costs and adding to congestion.
Lawlor said that Labour are also calling for a 10% cut in public transport fares to provide “real and immediate relief to those who rely on buses, trains and Luas services every day and the suspension of future toll hikes, as was done in 2022.”
“Public transport must be a viable and affordable alternative to driving, particularly at a time when fuel prices are volatile and household budgets are under severe strain,” he said.
“Government must lead by example. There should be a renewed and clear mandate across the civil and public service to support working from home wherever roles allow. By doing so, the government can set the standard for the private sector and ensure that workers are not penalised by being forced into costly daily commutes. Instead of outright opposition to Labour’s remote work legislation, we need the government to work with us on it,” the Wexford TD said.
“Ultimately, this crisis should serve as a reminder to government – not that they should need one – of the urgency with which we need to transition our economy away from its reliance on fossil fuels towards clean, indigenous renewable energy.”