Dáil debates

Wednesday, 5 October 2005

Railway Safety Bill 2001: Report Stage.

 

6:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 37:

In page 41, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following:

"(3) Where a member of staff of a railway undertaking furnishes relevant information to the Commission or an inspector—

(a) following a railway incident,

(b) which, in the opinion of the person, may lead to a railway incident,

the person shall not be subject to disciplinary or any other action by the railway undertaking.".

I believe the Minister's amendment No. 39 takes on board the spirit of amendment No. 37 which I very much welcome. Perhaps "whistleblower" is not the right word to use but I believe workers who are at the coalface must be in a position to point out any deficiencies in the workings of any aspect of rail safety procedures. Safety must be a joint venture between management, staff and the commission. Complete transparency and freedom to speak is important as is protection for those who speak out.

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