A family-friendly approach to workers "goes far beyond what can be achieved by legislation", the Tanaiste said yesterday at the inauguration of a new Government website: www.familyfriendly.ie
The site was opened in Dublin Castle yesterday to mark Family Friendly Workplace Day. There was a welter of statements, brochures and leaflets from bodies as varied as Trinity College, RTE, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation at the event.
The Equality Authority, which did much of the groundwork for the event, held a coffee break for its 44 staff to inform them of the options open to them as civil servants.
It also ran a staff suggestion competition which was won by someone who proposed every staff member receive a free photo frame to remember someone close to them while at work.
There were plenty of public service, business and trade union leaders present to hear Ms Harney's message that "this is not just an issue for women, but men, government, society and employers". She added: "The more flexible an employer can be, the better".