The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has received 18 complaints relating to remote or flexible working since the introduction of the 'Right to Request Remote or Flexible Work' earlier this year.
On 7 March, the Government brought the rights into operation and published a code of practice which was drawn up by the WRC.
Employers and employees are obliged to have regard to the code when considering applications for remote working.
Employers must also have regard to the code if terminating a flexible working arrangement.
Workers are able to refer a dispute to the WRC if an employer fails to fulfil their obligations while the code of practice will be admissible in evidence in proceedings before a court, the Labour Court or the WRC.
Figures released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment show that up to 30 July, 18 people had made complaints to the WRC about remote or flexible working.
The code of practice was developed by the WRC, in consultation with trade unions and employer representative bodies.
It covers how requests should be made and outlines the timeframes and notice periods involved, as well as record keeping requirements.
The code states that an employer who receives a request for remote working must consider the request, having regard to the needs of the business and the needs of their employee.
"An employer should consider a request for remote work in an objective, fair and reasonable manner," according to the code.
The rights to request remote and flexible working are part of the Work Life Balance Act which was enacted in April 2023.
The commencement of the right to flexible working for parents and carers marked the final step in the transposition of the EU Work Life Balance Directive.
In November 2023, the European Commission warned that Ireland was facing a fine for failing to fully transpose the directive.
