Protected Disclosures in the Public Interest

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Questions (193)

Clare Daly

Question:

193. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 331 of 3 November 2015, regarding a case (details supplied), if he has been informed of the case and the wrongdoing involved; the specific actions or measures that he, in his capacity of having oversight of the Central Bank of Ireland, has taken to protect the whistleblower and ensure that this kind of wrongdoing ceases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39523/15]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I, in my capacity as Minister for Finance, have no role in relation to the case to which the Deputy refers.  The Central Bank of Ireland's obligations in relation to protected disclosures are set out in the relevant legislation and under that legislation, the Central Bank does not report to the Minister for Finance on these matters. 

As required under section 22 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, the Central Bank published its 2015 Report on Protected Disclosures.  This Report stated the Central Bank had received one such protected disclosure in between 1 July 2014 and 30th June 2015. The report notes that "matters reported under the disclosure were investigated thoroughly by an independent party in line with Central Bank policy." 

Protections for those making a protected disclosure are provided for in Part 3 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.  I received correspondence in relation to this protected disclosure and I understand that the appropriate authorities are involved.