AQW 30084/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 22/02/2022
Answered On Date: 11/03/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) to detail how new working from home arrangements have impacted staffing levels at Ballykelly House; and (ii) for his assessment of whether workers at the headquarters are being attracted to move to the area.

Answer:

There are currently 337 DAERA staff formally headquartered in Ballykelly House. In line with the NI Executive's guidance, staff who can work from home are continuing to do so at this time. The NICS Hybrid Working Policy was launched on 17 December 2021, however, in light of prevailing guidance in respect of the COVID pandemic, it has not yet been implemented by NICS Departments. It is therefore not yet possible to assess how the Hybrid Working Policy will impact on the future utilisation of DAERA’s accommodation, including Ballykelly House.

Data which would enable an assessment as to whether staff have been attracted to move to the Ballykelly area is not held.