Ireland Labour introduces enforceable right to remote work bill

Ireland’s Labour Party has introduced a bill that would guarantee an enforceable right to remote work where job roles allow it, backed by a coalition including Forsa trade union, the Financial Services Union, and the National Women’s Council. The bill aims to replace the current “right to request” framework, which campaigners describe as inadequate since employers can refuse requests with minimal justification.

Forsa’s deputy general secretary has called the existing legislation “a lame duck,” arguing that collective bargaining is more effective than the current law. Remote work is expected to be an “absolute massive priority” in upcoming public-sector pay deal negotiations. The union is separately in arbitration with the Department of Social Protection over plans to bring around 500 of 7,000 DSP staff back to the office for a second day per week.

The bill faces an uncertain path through the Oireachtas, but the growing coalition behind it — combining union power, women’s rights advocacy, and cross-party support — signals that Ireland’s remote work framework may see significant strengthening in 2026.