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Deputy knows well that the new procedures and protocols governing protected disclosures have been processed under the policy in place to handle such matters. I have been assured that the independent investigation by GSOC, which is investigating this matter, will be completed in due course, notwithstanding the time … already lapsed since the protected disclosure was first made. Obviously, the various bodies - the Director of Public Prosecutions and GSOC itself - must continue their investigations before I can comment. I am not in a position to comment at this stage until those investigations are complete

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

Detective Superintendent Brian O'Reilly made a protected disclosure criticising the Garda Commissioner. The Minister sent it back to that same Commissioner and Mr. O'Reilly’s identity with it. Is the Minister aware that breaching the confidentiality of a whistleblower's identity is a criminal offence under … section 14A of the Protected Disclosures Act and carries with it a two-year prison sentence? As to the cover-up, and as the Government knows from the correspondence regarding Mr. Barrett, the disciplinary complaint made against Mr. Barrett never existed in the first place. Let that sink

important for public confidence. It is also important for gardaí, either now or in the future, who might be inclined to make a protected disclosure. I am not asking the Minister to make a judgment call on anything that was done previously. That will happen in time. What … asking today is this: if a member of the Garda takes it upon himself or herself to make a protected disclosure to the Minister's Department, is there a likelihood, as has happened in the past, that it will be referred to An Garda Síochána in a manner

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

Kilminchy and Athlunkard. What is he going to do? With all of the information at his disposal, all of the information about the protected disclosures that have been sitting there for two years and all of the information that HIQA effectively failed in its duties, is he prepared … nursing homes to transform themselves? The safety and welfare of residents should not be made to wait. It is worth recalling that protected disclosures were made two years ago about nursing homes that were not covered in the “RTÉ Investigates” programme, where residents were made

Covid-19 evaluation committee that the Department of the Taoiseach established, under scope and exclusions are the very matters included within this protected disclosure: the care of older people in nursing homes between 2020 and 2022; the administration of gene therapy to people during the same period … other jurisdictions, and have been the subject of parliamentary questions. I would again ask the question - will there be an inquiry into this protected disclosure as a matter of urgency

Department works with the protected disclosures national advisory group, a forum of disclosure managers from Departments, public bodies and prescribed persons to share best practice and identify any challenges that are emerging from the existing legislative framework. I will ask them to review what the Deputy has stated … existing legislative position. Important reforms were made in 2014 and in 2022, all in the interest of supporting those who make a protected disclosure to Departments. I want to ensure that the framework we have is in line with best practice, both in at domestic and European levels

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

Taoiseach may have seen reports in the Irish Daily Mail on protected disclosure which detail how confiscated weapons, including automatic firearms, ammunition and explosives, were being held at Garda headquarters in a container secured by a very simple combination lock. The report suggests that much of the weaponry … later seized from another criminal gang in 2023. The newspaper report suggests that the Taoiseach has had sight of the protected disclosure. Can he let the Dáil know whether he is satisfied that the facts contained in the report are true, and if so, what action will

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

that should shame any government that claims to stand up for transparency, accountability or justice. Urgent, meaningful reform is needed. The Protected Disclosures Act must guarantee confidentiality, even during criminal proceedings; prevent disclosure orders from destroying investigations; protect whistleblowers from retaliation, delays in justice and exposure; and ensure

those employed to care for them. I pay tribute to lain Smith and, of course, Paula, the brave whistleblowers who made a protected disclosure in 2009 that brought this issue to light and who fought to protect Grace. I also acknowledge John Deasy, John McGuinness, Daniel McConnell, Fergus … minimum, a public statement should be made. Failing that, serious consideration should be given to the call by the special rapporteur on child protection for an investigation into what happened at the inquiry because we have heard the concerns of the families, the whistleblowers and now Ms Butler

disclosures received by a Minister or Minister of State must be transmitted to the protected disclosures commissioner within ten calendar days of receipt. That is a statutory requirement under

clear strictures in that regard both in the public service and in the private sector. We have fairly robust legislation in place on protected disclosures. It is efficient. That is shown by the fact that so many have engaged with the European issue

November 2022, when the then Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the Comptroller and Auditor General were sent detailed protected disclosures concerning the holsters from the saddlery, the Garda armoury and the tragic murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, what steps were taken concerning … protection of the public and senior civil servants. In my view and that of many practising law, this amounts to a breach of human rights and must be properly examined in the context of constitutionality, statutory regulations and government dismissals. This is a growing list of internal disclosures

which I am not doubting. We have taken a number of measures in recent years in trying to establish the new structures for protected disclosures, greater clarity around what is meant to happen when disclosures come in and greater understanding across the system. This is a responsibility … relevant Minister reverts to him. Without commenting on any specific case, all whistleblowers are, under law, expected to have all of the protections that are right in the context of whistleblowing. Bringing information into the public domain is a very important part of our democracy

transition to the new children's hospital, it provides the best quality care with the highest standards of governance, management, ethics, open disclosure and communication between families and medics. However, we simply cannot say that was provided to the children and families failed by the scandal of unnecessary … feel like that after a child has had surgery. At the very least, those parents now deserve certainty and clarity. There was a protected disclosure in September 2023 and the Department was notified in May 2024 but the audit that started in summer 2024 has yet to complete

equally as difficult as that of Garda Maurice McCabe. It is every bit as alarming. In 2019, a former Tusla employee made a protected disclosure. He reported serious governance problems. It resulted in relentless retaliation and attack. In 2021, Tusla sent him a formal letter questioning his capability … retaliations from Tusla continued and the attacks deepened. The information we have obtained shows there was a formal complaint to the Data Protection Commission that Tusla contacted the whistleblower's private counsellor and demanded access to confidential records. That is an extraordinary breach of personal privacy

high-risk surgery. The sense of failure, hurt, anger and helplessness on the part of parents is compounded by the lack of full disclosure of surgical intervention and its attendant risks. HIQA also found that the management of the issues, once disclosed, could have been better. We need … ongoing clinical audit examining surgical practices at CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. The issue was brought to light through a protected disclosure in September 23, and it centres on concerns that different thresholds for corrective surgery were being applied across sites. In practical terms, this means

moving forward to a phase 2 of the commission of investigation. I pay particular tribute to those who stepped forward and made protected disclosures relating to the handling of Grace's case. Their courage and persistence were instrumental in her finally being moved out of the foster home … occurred the HSE has introduced a national policy for safeguarding vulnerable persons at risk of abuse, established a national safeguarding office and safeguarding protection teams, and most recently has undergone an independent review of its safeguarding policies and procedures which has led to the appointment

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

Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether, pending completion of the statutory review of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (as amended), his Department has assessed whether reporting persons whose disclosures are currently being processed may be affected by administrative practices

Minister for Health the person or body that authorised the transmission of sensitive patient safety video material to the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner on 22 May 2026 (details supplied); if the material was viewed before transmission; if she personally considered the governance issues raised before that

supplied); the steps being taken to ensure his Department’s response accurately and fully reflects its obligations as a prescribed person under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 as amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40986/26

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if the designated person for protected disclosures in his Department has issued a formal determination on prima facie evidence submitted in December 2025 and January 2026 in connection with OPDC referral (details supplied); if not, the reasons

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether NAS maintains any national dataset linking dispatch delays with subsequent serious incidents, protected disclosures, coronial findings, or patient safety investigations. [41062/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any internal review, engineering assessment, protected disclosure process or external examination is ongoing concerning custodial window assemblies installed in Garda station projects delivered by the Office of Public Works

whether any Garda station projects currently under construction or active delivery contain custodial window assemblies subject to ongoing technical review, dispute, assessment or protected disclosure processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36640/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when will there be a decision made on the protected disclosure that was submitted by a person (details supplied). [34498/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when will there be a decision made on the protected disclosure that was submitted by a person (details supplied). [34497/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32296/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to her Department or State bodies that are responsible to her Department. [32288/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department.; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to her Department or State bodies that are responsible to her Department. [32284/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32297/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department over the past ten years. [32287/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32293/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department.; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to her Department or State bodies that are responsible to her Department.; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department.; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32291/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32295/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32292/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of protected disclosures that have gone missing or have been compromised that have been submitted to his Department or State bodies that are responsible to his Department. [32280/26