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procedures in place across the criminal justice system - indeed, across the entire governmental system. That is to ensure the effective management of protected disclosures and to provide support to people making disclosures under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, which was amended in 2022. Those Acts were part … Síochána to An Garda Síochána or to Fiosrú, and An Garda Síochána and Fiosrú are operationally independent and both bodies have their own protected disclosures mechanisms in place. The Deputy's questions at the end were fairly loaded as if she was suggesting someone politically might have ordered

that instead of being protected, whistleblowers are targeted, penalised and vilified by those at the very top for making disclosures of wrongdoing. Protected disclosures made by these whistleblowers include the dangerous storage, movement and handling of firearms, defective ammunition and the issuing of defective holsters - all of which … speaking out are senior members of An Garda Síochána. They include Dr. Donal Corcoran, the person who was in charge of the Garda protected disclosures office; Ms Rose Sweeney, a case manager; and Detective Superintendent Brian O’Reilly, head of the Garda Technical Bureau. What is absolutely astonishing

There is a growing call for a public inquiry into the handling of protected disclosures in An Garda Síochána and I support that. However, I believe it must go much further. The concerns around protected disclosures seem to extend to the public service, An Garda Síochána, the Prison … services and beyond. I raised this matter previously in the Dáil, and my party raised it in a Private Members' Bill, to strengthen protected disclosure protections for whistleblowers, which was rejected by the Government. The Minister will be aware, as it was mentioned on the floor

they were devastated. It has taken a real toll on all of them and on their lives. Two of them worked in the protected disclosures office itself, the very system established after the Maurice McCabe scandal to protect people who speak out. Last night, they described a system … from Garda custody and 13 years later turning up in the hands of criminals. We heard much more. We heard about the confidential protected disclosure file concerning that weapon that was marked for closure without the knowledge or consent of the person responsible for managing the case. This

dodged questions from other people in the Opposition previously in the Dáil. The first question I asked had nothing to do with the protected disclosure. Why will the Minister not tell the public? Let me read it again. When was the Minister first made aware there … been alleged the issue with the holsters resulted in the death of a garda. That has nothing to do with the protected disclosure. It is about the Minister being upfront, honest and transparent about when she, as Minister for Justice, was made aware of it. Second, when

Deputy McEntee, will also need to outline to the House what she did. I am not talking about the details of the individual protected disclosures. I am interested in process and pathways. Brian O'Reilly sent the Minister his protected disclosure in September 2023 as it impugned … correct thing for him to do because it was about the Commissioner. The Minister sent it to the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner later that month. That was also the correct thing to do. In October 2023, the OPDC sent its statutory direction that the Secretary General

holster worn by Detective Garda Colm Horkan when his firearm was taken and used to murder him and alleged interference with a protected disclosure file concerning a shotgun which disappeared from Garda custody and was returned to criminal hands. Most extraordinary, the people working in the Garda office … what they witnessed that they became whistleblowers themselves. Deputy McEntee was Minister for Justice while much of this was happening. A new Garda protected disclosure office became operational on 6 January 2025. The establishment of that office was public knowledge, but the public announcement said nothing about what

place better oversight mechanisms within the board of An Garda Síochána, making sure the audit committee had oversight of what happened on protected disclosures and introducing Fiosrú so that we would have better protection for those who brought forward protected disclosures. We also amended the 2014 legislation introduced … Deputy Kelly's former party leader. All of this was to make sure that, where people brought forward protected disclosures, procedures were adhered to and that those people were protected, encouraged to come forward and supported, where possible. I cannot be any clearer in saying that I have

Minister of State should reflect on, outside of the issue we are talking about. I also believe that, separately, all of the ongoing protected disclosures that have been made within An Garda Síochána for the last number of years need to be independently audited. No matter where this … also need a check on documentation to make sure it is preserved. Whatever happens, one thing that is central in relation to how protected disclosures are dealt with in An Garda Síochána needs to be dealt with. There is no possible way that future protected disclosures

which the Commissioner and senior gardaí must report. There is Fiosrú, which investigates allegations of Garda malpractice and is responsible for investigating protected disclosures that are made within An Garda Síochána. Then there is the internal Garda board. We have, therefore, put in place a very detailed architecture … Garda accountability, which is very effective and does work in respect of it. When it comes to protected disclosures, we have detailed legislation in place. In an organisation the size of An Garda Síochána, which has at present 14,700 sworn members and around 3,500 staff

After the controversy surrounding the treatment of Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe a decade ago, a new Garda protected disclosures system was developed to protect whistleblowers and to ensure that where concerns are raised, they are followed up. An "RTÉ Investigates" programme from Rita O'Reilly, which will … difference in dates matters. We will hear more tonight, clearly, about how badly whistleblowers were treated and about the entire reconfiguration of the protected disclosures unit in response to the allegations made. We heard Dr. Corcoran say this morning that the Garda is now in a worse position

Dáil in 2022 amended the legislation. It seems to me to be an untenable framework now where, on one hand, if a protected disclosure goes in, it is meant to be dealt with independently and separately from Government, which I think is proper actually. It is proper that … there is not political interference one way or the other in a protected disclosure. There is not political interference or intervention, nor can or should there be. In the first instance, I want to see the programme this evening. With the greatest respect to everybody, at the very

that there is an independent process. We also have to respect that process and make sure anybody who is the subject of a protected disclosure is afforded the protection of that independent process as well. The Deputy mentioned my time as Minister for justice. The very first thing … Síochána audit committee, which now have statutory roles in overseeing the appropriateness, efficiency and effectiveness of procedures in An Garda Síochána dealing with protected disclosures. I also produced the legislation that established Fiosrú and the whole reason for that was to make sure that where complaints were made

specific allegations with respect of those who have made protected disclosures - I cannot interfere in a protected disclosure

There absolutely are serious questions but, again, you have to differentiate clearly with regard to a protected disclosure. If a person makes a protected disclosure, it has to be investigated. Would the Deputy accept that? If it has to be investigated, Ministers cannot interfere

through international co-operation. I also thank Deputy Gannon for his support. I have no difficulty coming into the Dáil to talk about protected disclosures. This has been said. There is Government time and there is Opposition time. If he wants to use Social Democrats time to discuss … makey-uppy issue - section 16 of the Act states that it is a criminal offence for a person to whom a protected disclosure is made to reveal the identity of the person making it. That applies even if the person has decided to reveal their own identity

issues, although not all because not all will be covered by this programme, directly with the Minister, separate from anything to do with protective disclosures, and I have tabled hundreds of parliamentary questions. Finally on this issue, I believe there was an absolute lack of knowledge in this … Chamber today on the part of the Government in relation to aspects of protected disclosures legislation and it was cringeworthy. This Bill is a very important one and it is long in the making. As the Minister will be aware, it was published in 2021 and it went

questions to answer about whistleblowing, potential wrongdoing and accountability within the Garda. We need clear answers from the Minister for justice regarding how protected disclosures are being managed within An Garda Síochána. I have no doubt that after tonight's programme, the Minister will be under more pressure … important these oversight bodies focus on strengthening Garda accountability, improving transparency in misconduct investigations and ensuring robust protections and competence for whistleblowers making protected disclosures. On the issue of stop and searches, I would like to know what the Minister will do to make sure some demographics, some

should also stop and remember other whistleblowers, such as the ones who have come forward and raised issues in relation to the protected disclosure departments. This legislation in regard to SLAPP is happening at the same time that continued penalisation is happening against Dr. Donal Corcoran and Detective … believe in protecting whistleblowers, and we talk about it often, that must exist across all the architecture of the State. The architecture for protected disclosures is failing and the continued penalisation of those Garda members, through simply making their pay packet, is not fair or acceptable. The Minister

specific cases that are ongoing and I will not be doing so today. The Government will be commencing a review of the Protected Disclosures Act this year, which will begin with a public consultation and an opportunity for all stakeholders to participate in that review to ensure … framework we have is fit for purpose and meets all the respective inputs of stakeholders and everyone involved, including those who have made protected disclosures. However, I cannot comment on the specific case the Deputy referenced

Again, I did not ask the Minister whether she was informed of the details of any protected disclosure. We know that section 41 of the Garda Síochána Act requires that the Commissioner inform the Minister for justice if there are incidents happening that have the potential to undermine … with looking after whistleblowers, taking on their files and investigating their claims had to become whistleblowers themselves and were then removed from the protected disclosures office. Does the Minister not believe that is an issue worthy of the former Commissioner, Drew Harris, informing her of as the office

thank the Deputy. There are two parts to what he asked. One is the matter of a protected disclosure and that is the information given by the individual last night. As I said, it is for individuals to disclose what they have disclosed … effectively, as it should be, while maintaining that independence. I do not think any Minister for justice should have a role in a protected disclosure. No Minister for justice should be the investigator in something that is brought forward. I do not think anybody in this House believes

wide range of very serious matters over the past several years. Many of them, as was referred to in the programme, related to protected disclosures and investigations, which are still ongoing, related to matters before the courts, both criminal and civil, and before the WRC and related … that the legislation would prevent any of us, under law, from commenting on or confirming the existence of or details of any specific protected disclosure. Importantly, the legislation

very serious issues. There are grave public safety concerns here. A Winchester sawn-off shotgun disappeared from Garda custody for 13 years. A protected disclosure was made in relation to that. This is in the public domain already. It referred to assertions against the Commissioner, Drew Harris … ministerial accountability and oversight of the process as legislated for. It is Kafkaesque and GUBU-esque if those who are in charge of protected disclosures within An Garda Síochána - who have to be independent, absolutely, under legislation - are being victimised and even purged by the senior leadership

while he was a member of the force, and a very good one, are dealt with. We have other whistleblowers who submitted protected disclosures that have not been dealt with. When members of the public see the television programme tonight or read interviews in the newspaper or when … trust and show that we mean business through the gardaí, in terms of our support for them, to ensure the outstanding issues and protected disclosures are brought to the fore and dealt with in a very public fashion. That is the least that can be expected in terms

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the total number of submissions received by the Garda Protected Disclosures Unit since it was established; the total number of submissions that were assessed as protected disclosures; the total number of protected disclosures that were … upheld; and the total number of upheld protected disclosures that lead to recommendations being issued. [68180/26

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the procedures in place prior to 1 January 2023 for the assessment and follow-up of protected disclosures made directly to the Minister under section 8 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; the procedures currently in place following commencement … Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022; and the extent to which information arising from protected disclosures continues to inform the Department's exercise of governance and oversight functions in respect of bodies under the Minister's aegis. [68141/26

Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any arrangements exist between the Department and the Protected Disclosures Commissioner whereby information concerning systemic governance failures identified through protected disclosures may be notified to the Department while preserving the confidentiality requirements of the Protected

Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the Government has assessed the effectiveness of the current protected disclosures framework where a safeguarding or operational concern involves more than one public body, including Tusla, the HSE, and An Garda Síochána … mechanism that exists to ensure that a cross-agency disclosure routed through the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner is investigated as a cohesive, systemic issue rather than being fractured and returned to individual single-agency prescribed persons. [65253/26

Question No. 3723 of 7 September 2026, in which the HSE confirmed it does not centrally track the implementation of recommendations arising from protected disclosures, the number of recommendations arising from upheld or partially upheld protected disclosures between 2023 and the first quarter of 2025 that have been

Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of reports received through the internal protected-disclosures channels of An Garda Síochána in each year from 2016 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number in each year that were assessed … protected disclosures, referred for investigation, substantiated in whole or in part, not substantiated, discontinued or awaiting determination; the median time from receipt to final determination; and if he will provide the information, in tabular form. [66370/26

Flynn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the oversight role of his Department in respect of the operation of the protected disclosures process within Inland Fisheries Ireland; whether his Department has received any report or correspondence concerning the integrity or governance of that process; whether … satisfied that the process operates in accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59763/26

Morris Tribunal, the O'Higgins Commission of Investigation, the Disclosures Tribunal and the 2016 report of the Policing Authority on the Garda protected-disclosures policy; if he will publish that register, specifying the implementation status of each recommendation; and the body responsible. [66384/26

asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a teacher pursuing a complaint before the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court or under protected disclosures legislation is required to exhaust or engage with internal school complaints procedures in order to avail of statutory protections. [64919/26

Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has been provided with any knowledge by An Garda Siochana or his Department that information concerning protected disclosures were withheld from Tánaiste Simon Harris in 2023, when he was required to caretake the role of Minister for Justice during the second

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration were any protected disclosures directed for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding An Garda Siochana withheld from him or his predecessor. [69141/26

asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will review the adequacy of the safeguards under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against penalisation, and against the disclosure of a discloser's identity without consent, in view of concerns raised publicly in recent

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the way in which the protected disclosures process has been carried out in An Garda Síochána over the past ten years. [68416/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of protected disclosures received by An Garda Síochána, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and the Department of Justice Home Affairs and Migration in each of the past ten years concerning

Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of allegations of penalisation arising from the making of a protected disclosure by a member of Garda personnel recorded in each year from 2016 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of such

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 3747 of 7 September 2026, the number of protected disclosure allegations upheld or partially upheld during 2025 in respect of which the assigned corrective actions have been completed; the number in respect of which

Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 3744 of 7 September 2026, in respect of the 30 valid protected disclosures received in 2025 that remained open as at 30 June 2026, the date of receipt of the oldest such case still open; the number

safety, staffing levels and workplace practices; the protections available to employees who raise such concerns; whether the HSE has reviewed compliance with its protected disclosure and speaking-up policies in the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65101/26

suitability requirements in cases where regulated intermediaries recommend unregulated investment products to pension investors; if he has assessed whether current disclosure obligations are sufficient to protect consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60796/26