Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that. The working Title of this legislation from the time of conception, including when published by my party when in Opposition, was the whistleblowing Bill. It has now transformed into a much more banal Protected Disclosures Bill. I am afraid that is the way of the legal drafts people. Some people thought there was a negativity attached to the word "whistleblowing". I actually believe it is a positive. However, there we are. The Title of the legislation is the Protected Disclosures Bill 2013, which is in sync with norms. The Long Title has a legal function in defining the scope of the Bill, which I do not want to narrow. Although combating of corruption is an essential part of the objectives of the Bill, it is not its exclusive objective. Also, while the promotion of transparency is an essential part of the Bill, it is not an exclusive part of it. I will take another look at the issue between now and Report Stage. The Senator might also do so.