Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister. The reason I have tabled this question is that we are considering the whistleblower legislation and I thought this Bill was essential to complement it. It would not make sense to have one without the other. I welcome the announcement that the committee will see the heads of the Bill before Easter. Getting the heads of the Bill before we get the Bill is very welcome; this has proved to be productive in the case of other legislation. The programme of legislation was set out in this area included a consolidation Bill, but the Minister has said today that he is also considering reforming and improving the law in this regard, which is welcome. As we are now in a completely different situation, this legislation needs to move beyond consolidation. However, I welcome the improvements and reform.

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