Proposed Legislation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2007

Thursday, 26 April 2007

Ceisteanna (71)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Ceist:

70 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the publication of legislation for whistleblower protection; if he is satisfied that the proposed sectoral approach will satisfy the terms of Article 13.2 or Article 33 of United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and that such an approach will provide the legal safeguards necessary to protect those who wish to expose malfeasance in good faith. [15614/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Killeen)

The Whistleblowers Protection Bill 1999, following a Government decision which agreed to address the issue of whistleblowing on a sectoral basis as distinct from a "one size fits all" approach, as envisaged in the Bill, was removed from the Dáil Order Paper following a motion, debate and vote on 4th April 2006.

By virtue of the Government decision, Ministers in the course of preparation of Bills are required to include whistleblowing provisions, as appropriate, having regard to the nature, purpose and scope of the proposed legislation in question. Such whisteleblowing provisions have been included in various enactments since adoption of the sectoral approach. Legislation is prepared in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Council having regard to the need for Ireland to meet its international obligations. I am satisfied with the sectoral approach to the inclusion of whistelblowing provisions is working well.