TDs and Senators are eager to learn from employers and employees about how remote work can fulfill its potential to unlock positive social, economic and environmental change for the people, employers and communities of Ireland.
On Wednesday the 9th of October, we facilitated the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Group on Remote Work in the AV Room of Leinster House. The group, formed as a result of an open discussion hosted last May by Grow Remote on “Harnessing the full potential of remote work for a better Ireland,” is made up of TDs and Senators from all parties and independents who are committed to ensuring that Ireland fully leverages the benefits of remote work for jobseekers, businesses, local communities, and the wider economy.
It was encouraging to see how the participating members of the Oireachtas share Grow Remote’s vision for Ireland and agree that remote work can contribute positively socially, economically and environmentally to our country.
The meeting focused on the importance of raising awareness in local communities of the thousands of remote job opportunities available today. We all agreed on the need to tackle any and all obstacles to remote work’s benefits being felt in every community in Ireland.
With the general election due to take place in the coming weeks or months, we asked the attendees to ensure that the significant opportunity that remote work presents for Ireland remains a top priority. All attendees were invited to include the following statement on remote work in their upcoming election manifestos and commit to unlocking further social, economic, and environmental benefits for all.
“We recognise that remote work has further potential to unlock positive social, economic, and environmental change for the people, employers, and communities of Ireland.”
The meeting, chaired by Senator Emer Currie said “Today’s meeting is an important milestone in ensuring that remote work benefits every corner of Ireland. Remote work brings opportunities to where they’re needed most. By connecting people to jobs regardless of their location, we can bring economic vitality to places that have struggled and empower individuals to build fulfilling careers from their own communities. By working together across party lines, and with the support of organisations like Grow Remote, we can ensure that remote work strengthens local economies, supports families, and contributes to a more sustainable future. I’m excited to chair this group and to help unlock the full potential of remote work for all of Ireland.”
Grow Remote will provide secretariat support for the All-Party Group, which will meet three times a year, with the next meeting scheduled for February 2025. The group is committed to developing actionable strategies that will bring lasting benefits to Ireland through remote work, with particular focus on ensuring underserved areas are not left behind.
Share the issues you would like us to address
These regular meetings will create a direct channel for communicating the most pressing opportunities and challenges in the world or remote work to our Oireachtas members. With this in mind, we are inviting all of our community members; remote workers, employers and stakeholders to complete the simple form below asking what are your most pressing challenges regarding remote employment? This important information will inform the work we do and the conversations we have with our elected representatives.
Tell us your thoughts on the future of remote work in Ireland
Conversations with your local election candidates
When the imminent election is announced, remember that there will be opportunities to raise these same challenges directly with your local candidates in your area when they come to your area. We see the remote employees who organise and attend our community events as active citizens who play a very important role in their local communities. Having conversations with election candidates presents another way to contribute to the future of your communities.
Share your story of impact
Sometimes the best way to get a message across is to share the stories of how remote work has made a difference in your life or how it has had an impact on your community. By sharing these stories, you are inspiring us and our elected representatives to lay the foundation that will allow many others to follow your example.
Share your story with us today
Thank you for your contribution – it will support the remote ecosystem in Ireland and unlock positive social, economic and environmental change for individuals, employers and local communities.
