Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
71. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding the application of the protected disclosures legislation to persons in the Defence Forces; the person or body to which they should make a protected disclosure if they wish to make a complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19999/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protected Disclosures Act, 2014 applies to the Defence Forces. I am assured by the Chief of Staff that the military authorities are fully aware of the protections afforded to its members under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. In order to ensure compliance with this legislation the Defence Forces have implemented General Routine Order 07/2015. This document sets out the policy, procedures and protections afforded to serving personnel on making a protected disclosure. The document was signed and promulgated on the 21 August 2015.
To assist in ensuring a uniform approach to protected disclosures across the Defence organisation, I established a single Civil/Military Protected Disclosures Office in the Department in which all protected disclosures are initially assessed. This Office also keeps relevant guidance under review.
