More than half of the submissions relating to a recent EU inquiry into the evaluation of whistleblower protections came from Ireland. There were 40 such submissions. This is concerning. The length of time - whatever the outcome - it is taking to process disclosures, the manner in which some of them are being dealt with and the toing and froing involved is not good for the State and it is certainly not good for the individuals involved.

I want to raise the case of Noel McGree, who first pointed out wrongdoing in the Prison Service in 2013. He made a substantial protected disclosure in 2019. Noel is being made homeless, as are his wife and two kids. I have met Noel. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle knows the issues relating to Noel well. He is going to be out on the streets. He and his wife and kids will have nowhere to live because he had the guts to open up an issue relating to how funds were being misspent within the Prison Service. This is what he gets for doing so. I want to ask two things. Can we ensure that the process by which protected disclosures are dealt with is done in an efficient manner and as quickly as possible and that we do not have another scenario whereby we are the laggards in Europe in relation to this? Will the Tánaiste try to ensure that no one else will end up like Noel McGree, namely having to sacrifice the family home because they cannot pay their mortgage and ending up on the street because they did what was right?

The first thing I will do is read that EU report. Deputy Kelly was right to bring it to the attention of the House. We want to be leaders in terms of the structures we have here. We certainly do not want to be laggards. This matter sounds concerning from what he tells me, which I am not doubting. We have taken a number of measures in recent years in trying to establish the new structures for protected disclosures, greater clarity around what is meant to happen when disclosures come in and greater understanding across the system. This is a responsibility in the first instance for the Minister for public expenditure and reform. I will reflect on what the Deputy has said and ask that the relevant Minister reverts to him. Without commenting on any specific case, all whistleblowers are, under law, expected to have all of the protections that are right in the context of whistleblowing. Bringing information into the public domain is a very important part of our democracy.