Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. O’Driscoll will take on board what I said about the issue of the internal audit and mediation. Several committee members met this individual. What I have said in this regard should be taken on board in a generous way.

An apology was given by Mr. O’Driscoll’s predecessor. I have read the judge’s findings on the matter several times. However, it went to the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, where it was fought tooth and nail. That is behaviour from a different time. Most of us believe that should never have happened. The reason and the way in which it was fought, particularly considering the judge’s opinion, was from a different time. There was an award made in this case which was never paid. I urge the Department and the new Secretary General to reflect on this. This case should never have occurred. It now has the opportunity to deal with this. It was unacceptable that after the findings of the judge and the apology from the service, it was then fought all over again at the WRC. I accept Mr. O’Driscoll’s point but I find it unusual for such behaviour to happen.

How many protected disclosures have there been? Without giving away confidential information, will Mr. O’Driscoll outline if there is a pattern as regards the location of the individuals making the protected disclosures?