Despite the evidence that teleworking improves the working and living environment for both employees and employers, Ireland does not yet have a culture of telework-centred organisations. Most people, working or unemployed, are unaware of the real implications and benefits of teleworking. Organisations are unaware of the benefits of teleworking, of ways to initiate teleworking, long-term implications and the adaptations that need to be made to successfully implement this new method of working. Lack of awareness of IT and language training available is also a major barrier to the take-up of teleworking. Government initiatives such as the IT 2000 Project and the International Teleservices Programme have great potential for increasing the use of new technologies and teleworking in both public and private sectors.
Linguistic skills are vital for many internationally-based tasks or services.
Teleworking opens up new working opportunities for disadvantaged people and regions by allowing people to earn and live at or near their home. It is vital that Government shows itself to be a leader in the implementation of teleworking. All Departments should be required to introduce teleworking options into their mainstream working. Also, all publicly funded organisations should formulate a Teleworking Policy to be implemented by 2002. The relevant Minister should take the necessary steps to have the Code of Practice for Teleworking endorsed and adopted by the Social Partners.