The Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill
February 15, 2022
The Government has published the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022, which is derived from the EU Whistleblowing Directive. This Bill enhances the existing protections of persons who disclose information covered by the current law, also referred to as whistle blowers, in Ireland.
What changes will the bill introduce:
- The scope of persons protected will be extended to include; volunteers, shareholders, board members and job applicants. Currently, the legislation relates to employees only.
- Private Sector Organisations with 50 or more employees, will have to provide formal channels for their employees to raise protected disclosures. (PD)
- Workplace Relations Commission Inspectors will be responsible for monitoring and enforcement of the Bill.
- Employers, or nominated persons, on receipt of a PD, will have to acknowledge and follow up on allegations made and to provide feedback to the reporting person on their disclosures, within three months.
- The Office of the Ombudsman will create a new office to support the handling of the new legislation.
- The Commissioner will now direct PD’s to the most appropriate body when it is unclear which body is responsible, to ensure they are dealt with appropriately.
The legislation will now be progressed through the Oireachtas before being enacted into law.
For further information or guidance on Protected Disclosures, please contact us on info@mssirl.ie or alternatively 018870690.
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