Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. I will speak to my amendment. It is within the same content issue that we are discussing. What is the best way to ensure we provide the best evaluation and that the law works? I realise the Minister is keen on that. The period is important but the Minister will recall that we moved a similar amendment on Committee Stage. We suggested the Standards in Public Office Commission would oversee the effectiveness of the legislation. The Minister rejected that, which was fair enough but he indicated an openness for the Oireachtas to have a role in this regard.

My amendment proposes that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform receives notification of all whistleblowing within public bodies over a period and that this would then be reported to the designated Oireachtas committee. This serves the objective that systemic issues are identified. I know the Minister is keen to address this issue and, in doing so, more fundamental public reform will take place. The Minister indicated on Committee Stage that it could be reported to the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions.