Protected Disclosures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019

Friday, 6 September 2019

Questions (1526)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1526. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the safeguards in place to protect the identity of the person who has made the protected disclosure in instances in which protected disclosures are shared with external consultants; if the person who made the protected disclosure is notified in advance; if their consent is required to share the disclosure with external consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36201/19]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The premise of the Protected Disclosure Act 2014 is to protect the identity of the Discloser insofar as is possible. My Department strives to protect the identity of the Discloser at all times. On occasion, in order for an effective investigation to take place, it may be necessary to release the Discloser’s identity. In this case the Discloser would be consulted with in advance.