Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

While I agree with Ms McPhillips, many years have passed in regard to this case and there is a genuine grievance involved. I am asking that that be taken on board.

There are media reports on another case, in respect of which the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, has made an adjudication. This adjudication is costing the taxpayer money. Following on from this adjudication the head of the Irish Prison Service wrote to the individual apologising for the manner in which he had been treated. I can read the letter into the record if Ms McPhillips so wishes. The case is now being challenged. A letter from the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, about the process around how whistleblowers are to be dealt with was received by the Committee of Public Accounts today. The WRC has adjudicated on the case of this individual and the head of the Irish Prison Service has apologised to him for the manner in which he was treated. The Irish Prison Service is now challenging the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, has sent the letter I mentioned to this committee. This does not add up. The manner in which the Irish Prison Service is acting suggests that the letter we received today from the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, about the process in place for whistleblowers is not real.