Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 22:

In page 23, to delete lines 15 to 29.

It is no secret that when people blow the whistle what generally ensues is a long protracted process that can take years. We have discussed the real-life impact it can have on people and their families. There can also be a reflexive reaction on the part of the employer to circle the waggons. We have seen cases where they have cast aspersions on the motivation of the whistleblower and penalised them in the hope that they move on from that process.

Going externally to the media or the relevant Minister is often one way a whistleblower who felt those administrative barriers were being put in their way can try to circumvent this process, bring attention to the wrongdoing and, therefore, put pressure for it to be resolved. We have major concerns with this new restrictive conditionality that is applied to going externally. We feel it is not improving the process of justice. While this is not directed at the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, in certain situations it could take a Minister off the hook for inaction.

Some of the witnesses who appeared before the committee outlined serious concerns over corruption and years later their cases remain unresolved.

It has taken them a long time and that has had an impact. The concern about the delays is that many people will end up giving up before the wrongdoing is revealed. The committee recommended that this conditionality be removed. If I recall correctly, one of the experts who appeared at the committee believed it was quite regressive, hence the reason we have submitted our amendment.