Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the figures on the costs, the vast majority of that cost is simply going into the setting up of the office and the work that is needed to make sure it is fully operational.

Regarding free legal aid, it is up to the office to come to me and my Department and make any proposals it wishes to ensure that those who make protected disclosures are not deterred by a high level of legal fees or costs that they might be concerned about in the future. To give some information in relation to current policy and how we are looking to respond back to the issue the Deputy has raised, since 2017, my Department has provided a grant to Transparency International Ireland, TII, to assist in the operation of its Speak Up helpline and the Transparency Legal Advice Centre, TLAC, to advise and assist workers in making protected disclosures. Anybody who calls the helpline will be assessed under the TLAC practice area and could be offered support if it is deemed appropriate and may even be offered an appointment with a solicitor. Those who were involved and have availed of this free legal advice have up to this point, on average, attained legal advice with a value of approximately €10,000. The increase for this grant in 2023 is from €285,000 to €405,000. Through our engagement with TLAC and TII, we look to provide support for any legal costs that may be incurred in the making of protected disclosures.