Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the entire purpose of the Protected Disclosures Act (the “Act”) 2014, as amended by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022, is to afford important protections to persons making protected disclosures. The 2022 Act introduced important amendments to further strengthen the process. I can inform the Deputy that all concerns raised are assessed and investigation in accordance with the Act.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has its own Protected Disclosure policy and procedures in place since 2018 which was updated in 2023 and details how protected disclosure reports and allegations of penalisation are managed.

In order to fully support the operation of the policy, the Irish Prison Service is also a member of the Integrity At Work (IAW) Programme, an initiative of Transparency International Ireland (TII).

The Service has also:

• appointed a dedicated Protected Disclosure Manager for the Irish Prison Service and a dedicated confidential email address speakup@irishprisons.ie and Post Box number has been set up.
• committed to the IAW Programme Membership and the IAW Pledge with TII. Staff are made aware of the TII Speak Up Helpline 1800 844 866 for independent guidance on reporting a concern or making a protected disclosure. The Speak Up Safely Guide is also available for download from the staff intranet. Information about the IAW Programme is included as part of staff induction.
• ensured that staff (who have made or are considering making a disclosure) are supported with independent and confidential advice and psychological support via TIIs speak up helpline.

In 2023, the Irish Prison Service also launched an internal communications campaign “Speak up and Be Supported”, which signposts staff to the various policies and supports available to staff who wish to raise a concern whether this be a grievance, a dignity at work matter, a concern of fraud or corruption or a wrongdoing under the Protected Disclosures Act. Furthermore, the Prison Service has also provided training to managers across the service on Protected Disclosures and Dignity at Work policies and procedures and it is planned that further training and awareness will take place in 2024.

I can assure the Deputy, my Department and the Irish Prison Service, are committed to fostering a positive working environment where workers can safely speak up and report concerns of wrongdoing.