Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy can be absolutely sure that I will not stand over any person being penalised for making a protected disclosure. That is stated clearly in the Act. As I stated in my original reply, if any person believes he or she is being penalised because he or she has made a protected disclosure, there are avenues he or she can take. If this person has not gone to the ombudsman, I would encourage the person to do that. As he always does, the ombudsman will rule clearly on it in an independent fashion and he will make a recommendation to me, as Minister of State with responsibility for defence. It is up to the individual to go to the ombudsman. I reiterate that I would encourage anyone to go to the ombudsman if they have not done so.

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