Ireland
Governed by Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Max 48 h/wk averaged over 4 months. 11 h daily rest, 24 h weekly. No centralized clock-in except sectors. Right to Request Remote Work Act 2023.
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Statutory working time
48 h max averaged over 4 months · no individual opt-out
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly cap | 48 h avg/4 mo | Sec. 15 | Night workers 2 months |
| No opt-out | Unlike UK | OWT | IE policy choice |
| Autonomous executives | Excluded | Sec. 3 | Outside OWT |
| NMW + records | Working Time Records obligation | OWT 1997 | WRC inspection |
Overtime
No statutory definition · contract or ER · no imposed premium
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overtime | No statutory definition | — | By contract |
| Premium | Per ER | ER | Often 1.5x |
| TOIL | Possible | Contract | Time off in lieu |
| Cap | 48 h avg | OWT Sec. 15 | Statutory cap |
Rest & breaks
11 h daily · 24 h weekly · break 15 min/4.5 h, 30 min/6 h
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily rest | 11 consecutive h | Sec. 11 | Between days |
| Weekly rest | 24 h + 11 h = 35 h | Sec. 13 | Sunday by default |
| Break 4.5 h | 15 min | Sec. 12 | Unpaid |
| Break 6 h | 30 min | Sec. 12 | Unpaid |
Night / Sunday / holiday work
Night 11pm-6am · 9 public holidays · Sunday premium often
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night | 11pm-6am | Sec. 16 | 48 h cap avg 2 mo |
| Night worker | ≥3 h night ≥50 % time | Sec. 16 | Health assessment |
| Sunday premium | Compensation | Sec. 14 | Premium pay or rest |
| Public holidays | 9 per year | Sec. 21 | Fixed list |
| St Brigid’s Day | 1 February | 2022 Act | New holiday |
Time recording
Working Time Records mandatory OWT3 · 3 years retention
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Records obligation | Hours + rest + leave | SI 473/2001 | Form OWT3 |
| Retention | 3 years | SI 473/2001 | WRC inspection |
| Form | OWT3 or equivalent | SI 473/2001 | Paper/electronic |
| Penalties | €1,900 per offense | OWT | Class A fine |
Remote & flex work
Right to Request Remote Work Act 2023 · no guaranteed right · WRC code
| Topic | Rule | Legal basis | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right to request | 6 months service | Sec. 21 | 4-week response |
| Refusal reasoning | 13 listed grounds | Sec. 23 | Documented |
| Right to Disconnect | Code of Practice 2021 | WRC | Not statutory |
| Remote expenses | €3.20/day untaxed Revenue | Revenue | Without proof |
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