Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has indicated he will address it in terms of the definition of "impartiality", and it will be important to be clear in that regard, even in a small organisation. If the case involves a small organisation where three or four persons are named, in certain cases an external investigator may be required, but I appreciate that others may be named but not be the core focus of the action in a small organisation. This matter should be clearly addressed and, as well as addressing the definition of "impartiality", I urge that assurance on the matter be reflected in the public information campaigns. I keep coming back to those. I cannot overemphasise the well-earned lack of trust and damage to trust people have given the incredibly poor treatment of whistleblowers in Ireland. That is why each point needs to be given and people need to know, if they make a complaint about their manager, that manager will not be deciding on the complaint. I urge that that be reflected not just in terms of investigation but also in terms of any processing that may be required relating to payments around penalisation. It has come up in that matter as well.

I will withdraw the amendment but will engage with the Minister on the issue of impartiality.