Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

The Minister has indicated at various times that we adopt a sectoral approach to whistleblowing, with provisions in different Acts. The best practice worldwide is to have general legislation to protect whistleblowers which can be adopted for specific cases. Having said that, I welcome the establishment of protections in this legislation, especially for employees. What is needed, particularly with regard to bribery of foreign public officials, is greater awareness in the business community. Ireland is an open economy and has a major export sector, which means it is important that people are aware of their obligations when dealing with foreign officials and that there are serious sanctions in domestic legislation. The OECD evaluation report clearly highlighted a lack of awareness of the convention and its provisions, and the State bodies themselves did not feel they were responsible for raising awareness. Given the importance of the export sector and of conducting our business affairs worldwide in a manner that is in accordance with international law, the Government has a responsibility to ensure greater awareness of these provisions. It has the ability to do so in terms of the support given to industry and exporters. In respect of the receipt of grants etc., this legislation should be highlighted for the export sector at all times. Having said this, it is a small step in meeting international obligations and commitments we made regarding the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions to which we signed up in 2003. All we are doing is tidying the defective legislation in place. On that basis, I welcome the Bill.