John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In terms of the experience to date, if one asks most whistleblowers if they would do it again, without hesitation they will say "No" because their families have been destroyed, they have been destroyed, their careers and their mental health have been destroyed while what they reported, particularly within Government agencies, is still ongoing. That is a terribly bad example to set. We have to find ways, within this proposed Bill, of dealing with these issues so that they do not continue to go on. It is not easy for us, as I have said, because the paperwork and legislation is drawn up, in the main, by civil servants. I ask the witnesses to reflect on what they have said to us today and on the conversation we have had, which has been very good and very constructive. I urge them to reflect on the issues we have raised to see if they would like to make any further comments or written submissions. I direct that comment to each of our witnesses because I found their contributions today very helpful.

Senator Higgins has asked that the witnesses respond in more detail to some of her questions.