Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I agree that an information campaign is crucial. The joint committee's pre-legislative scrutiny report recommended this and it was discussed on Committee Stage. We fully agree that it is very important that people understand their new rights, that we must effect a cultural shift in the treatment of people who are whistleblowers and that they are not denigrated as informers.

My officials are exploring the most effective way to raise awareness of the new legislation and how an information campaign should be targeted. A number of options are being explored, including online awareness raising, the use of social media, the creation of information packs and targeted engagement with stakeholders through seminars and webinars. This is in addition to the work being done to progress the statutory guidance provided for in the legislation. However, as discussed, the inclusion of a legislative amendment in this regard is unnecessary and disproportionate. I will not accept the amendment.