Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022

Public bill · Government · Presented

The measure updates Ireland’s whistleblower laws so people who report wrongdoing are better protected, including more workers such as volunteers, shareholders and job applicants, and it broadens the kinds of wrongdoing covered to match EU rules. It would require larger private employers and public bodies to set up secure reporting channels with quick acknowledgement and follow-up, and it creates a Protected Disclosures Commissioner in the Ombudsman’s office to receive, route and, if needed, directly investigate reports. It also strengthens safeguards against retaliation, including tougher remedies and penalties, and tightens confidentiality and record-keeping rules.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to give effect to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law and for that purpose to amend and extend the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; to provide for the establishment of the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner and to confer functions on it; to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2014, the Ombudsman Act 1980 and the Workplace Relations Act 2015; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 11 September 2024