Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this legislation. There is one law for the rich and another for the poor. For as long as I can remember that has been a fact as well as a perception. A poor person will be put behind bars for shoplifting to feed his or her family, whereas someone who does away with €1 million or €1 billion can look forward to escaping justice and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle either in Ireland or abroad in the UK, Europe or America.

I hope the Bill before us changes that situation and I welcome it for that reason. It has been a long time coming and it is not before its time. It is vital that we provide all the resources required to ensure the Bill is enacted and that the golden circle of bankers, politicians and business leaders who have brought this country and their professions into disrepute are brought to book. Specialist staff and training will be needed and financial and technical resources will have to be provided. Above all, the political will to implement and support the legislation will be vital. These resources will be necessary if the provisions of the Bill are not to end up as window dressing.

As other speakers have noted, there is an urgent need to introduce legislation to cover whistleblowers in the public service, private businesses and non-governmental organisations.

See this speech in context