Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach

Ombudsman and Information Commissioner: Commissioner Designate

Mr. Ger Deering:

First, I mention where we talked about culture earlier.

This is an area where culture is extremely important. As a nation, we have, unfortunately, a history of thinking that somehow speaking up is wrong. The new Bill and processes and procedures that are being put in place are an opportunity to develop a better culture of speaking up, and will comfort people, give them support and let them know that it is the wrongdoing that is wrong. It is right and okay to speak up when people see wrongdoing. From that point of view, it is a positive development. I do not have a firm view on the question the Deputy asked at this stage. I would like to think about it. I believe the processes that are being put in place and the additional step are positive developments.

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