Mr. John Devitt:

I am happy to respond to both of the Deputy's questions. The Deputy asked about investigations. Under the directive, Ireland will be expected to implement provisions in the Protected Disclosures Act, requiring employers over a certain size or within a defined sector to provide feedback to their employees. They will have to acknowledge protected disclosures within seven days and outline what action has been taken within a period of three to six months. It very much depends on the nature of the concern raised. If an allegation of a criminal nature is raised, the stakes are that much higher. Obviously, people have the right to fair procedure and rights under the Constitution to a good name, and so on. Therefore, those rights will also have to be considered when undertaking an assessment and investigation. However, clear guidance will be essential to employers and public bodies on how to assess and investigate these concerns in a way that means that whistleblowers are not left waiting years for a response or an outcome on foot of their concern.

The second question the Deputy asked was around-----