Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2013
15. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether whistleblower gardaí are adequately protected by the confidential recipient system and existing whistleblowers' legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20824/13]
View answerThe Garda Síochána (Confidential Reporting of Corruption or Malpractice) Regulations 2007 provide for an independent 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.
It is also the case that, in line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will shortly bring forward legislative proposals to give robust protection for whistleblowing employees generally, across the public and private sectors. The intention is that this legislation will make provision for the Garda Síochána, and I look forward to the opportunity of discussing the details of the proposals when they are published.
