Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I agree with the Minister of State on this issue. It is important to protect whistleblowers in an organisation such as the Garda Síochána. People must feel free to bring matters of concern to attention. However, it complicates matters both for the ombudsman commission and for members of the Garda Síochána if we choose to mix up internal disciplinary matters and the external remit of the commission.

I am reassured by the provision in section 94 which allows the commission to act on its own initiative when the public interest so requires. The provision does not unnecessarily restrict the triggers that could be used to bring that about and could well include instances where the commission has knowledge of an issue that has been brought to its attention by a member of the Garda Síochána. It is better to retain this provision than to complicate matters by incorporating amendment No. 108.