Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

While this section is straightforward, it is important and I am glad it has been raised by the Senator. It provides that a disclosure is made in accordance with this section if it is made by the worker in the course of obtaining legal advice from a barrister, a solicitor or a trade union official. This is because trade union officials often advise on labour law in particular and that would be quite normal. Given the implications and lengthy complexity that can arise in seeking to make a protected disclosure, it is important that the worker can benefit from such advice prior to deciding on any future course of action. Failure to make such a provision potentially could militate against workers seeking the appropriate advice prior to adopting one of the other disclosure channels that are available under the legislation the Government hopes to put in place.