Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Protected Disclosures Act was important legislation. Many organisations face challenges and need cultural change in order to deal and work effectively with whistleblowers. I believe the legislative framework we now have in place supports this and is helpful in terms of how whistleblowers within An Garda Síochána are dealt with. I have discussed this subject on a number of occasions with Garda management and it is operating fully in line with the legislation. There is no question but that it needs ongoing monitoring of the issue and to be vigilant to ensure that whistleblowers are dealt with properly.

In the case of Sergeant Maurice McCabe, the commission finding is that he did the State some service. He did An Garda Síochána a service by raising the issues he did, as the Garda Commissioner said yesterday in her statement. The Garda put in place a range of initiatives and supports to ensure Sergeant McCabe felt supported. I am satisfied there is an understanding currently within An Garda Síochána of the need to support whistleblowers and that in terms of welfare and support for whistleblowers in the context of investigation of issues, there is confidentiality in dealings with them.

It takes time to change a culture and I do not expect it will change overnight. However, I believe that at management level, there is an understanding of the need to comply fully with the legislation to achieve the kind of cultural change the Deputy mentioned.

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