Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
26. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that the Garda confidential recipient system is operating effectively and provides protection for whistleblowers; if he has any plans to make any changes to the operation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11600/13]
View answerThe Garda Síochána (Confidential Reporting of Corruption or Malpractice) Regulations 2007 provide for the appointment, and functions, of a Confidential Recipient to whom members of the Force can report, in confidence, instances where they believe there may be corruption or malpractice within the Force. The Confidential Recipient is required to transmit each report to the Commissioner but, in doing so, is bound to protect the identity of the confidential reporter. Any communication between the Confidential Recipient and the Commissioner is absolutely confidential and there are strong safeguards in the Regulations for the protection of confidential reporters. I have full confidence in the Confidential Recipient, and his office. Whistleblowing provisions for members of the Garda Síochána are however being examined in the light of the provisions in the Protected Disclosures in the Public Interest Bill 2012 being developed by my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
