Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for this question. On 3 July 2024 the European Commission presented a report on the transposition of the EU Whistleblower Directive 2019/1937. This report stated that a review of the directive, which is referred to in Article 27(3), would be finalised no later than 2026. This review or evaluation will assess the functioning of the directive and consider the need for additional measures, including amendments, with a view to extending its scope to further EU acts or areas. Ireland will have an opportunity to input into this review and raise any concerns or emerging issues with the European Commission, through participation by officials in my Department in meetings of the Commission's whistleblowers expert group.

I would also make the Deputy aware that a statutory review of the Protected Disclosures Act is due to commence and as part of this review a public consultation will be carried out. We would encourage different stakeholders and whistleblowers to participate in this consultation. The Protected Disclosures Act 2014 was amended in 2022 and these amendments sought to address a number of issues that were raised during the 2018 statutory review of the 2014 Act. The upcoming statutory review will provide a valuable insight into the operation of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act and the views and experiences of all stakeholders and whistleblowers will be welcome as part of this.

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