Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

In the last Dáil, the Government did not oppose the Labour Party's Private Members' Bill on the protection of whistleblowers. It passed Second Stage and is on the Order Paper. Given the failure to protect the public interest by self regulating bodies, including the Medical Council, will the Taoiseach provide Government time for conclusion of this legislation or announce a timescale for the introduction of Government legislation? In the last Dáil, the Government decided not to oppose our Bill, which has been left in limbo.

What is the present position with regard to the necessary protections for whistleblowers? Anyone who saw an excellent television programme last night will be aware of the victimisation of those who have taken great risks in the public interest. They are entitled to legislative protection. It is unjustifiable for the Government to delay legislation which is prepared. The Government should allow the Bill to proceed to final stages or produce alternative legislation.

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