Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have not met the whistleblowers. As the Deputy is aware, these are protected disclosures and litigation is ongoing so it would be wrong of me to meet the whistleblowers. When I was informed of this, after my appointment in July 2016, I got the full report and appointed an independent person to carry out a review of the disclosures made by the three individuals. The independent person reviewed the files and felt that they did not have the qualifications to carry out an independent assessment. Upon that, I appointed another person in early September and that independent assessor gave a preliminary report to my office in late November. In December I sent a copy of the report to the military authorities and they have sent back their thoughts and views on the report. I have kept on top of this issue since my appointment in May 2016 and it is incorrect to say there has not been some form of dialogue and communication with the people who made the protected disclosures.

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