Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
395. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice if she will instigate an independent investigation into the treatment of whistleblowers within the Prison Service, such as in the case of a person (details supplied), with specific reference to dignity at work and the use of the Civil Service code to discipline staff. [45167/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to allow workers report alleged wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities. The Act, as amended by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, also affords very important protections to persons making protected disclosures. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate therefore that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on nor confirm the existence of any specific protected disclosure. The protection of those wishing to make a protected disclosure rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process, which is central to the efficacy of that process.
Separately, dignity at work and disciplinary matters are a personal and confidential process pertaining to individuals.
