Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Protection of Employees.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

166 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that sufficient protection is available to employees of banks or financial institutions who may draw the attention of the Revenue Commissioners or the Central Bank to possible breaches of the law by their employers; the plans, if any, he has to increase this protection; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that banks or financial institutions do not penalise these employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3732/98]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am not quite sure as to what exactly the Deputy is referring in his question when he refers to "possible breaches of the law". I assume he is primarily referring to tax evasion, money laundering etc. I assure him that, in general, all information received by the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Bank is treated in the strictest confidence. In many instances, such information is forwarded anonymously to the authorities by the individual. The question of whether further protection should be afforded to an employee who may draw the attention of the authorities to possible breaches of the law by his or her employer is a matter which the Deputy might put to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment who has responsibility for labour law.