Transparency International (TI) Ireland is seriously concerned by the allegations aired in last night’s RTÉ Investigates programme about the treatment of whistleblowers within An Garda Síochána and the functioning of its Protected Disclosures Unit.
Since 2017, TI Ireland has provided guidance, feedback and training to An Garda Síochána management through its Integrity at Work programme, which supports organisations in building working environments that make it safer to speak up and to see wrongdoing acted upon.
In addition, over the past 15 years, TI Ireland's Speak Up Helpline has provided confidential guidance and support to 46 members and staff of An Garda Síochána - including former Sergeant Maurice McCabe.
The allegations detailed in last night's programme - that protected disclosures, including those from Garda Protected Disclosures Unit personnel, were met with delay, hostility and penalisation - are deeply troubling.
TI Ireland will be seeking meetings with Garda management and relevant oversight agencies to seek clarity on existing protected disclosure procedures and to establish what steps are being taken to ensure they comply fully with the Protected Disclosures Act and meet international best-practice standards. We will continue to offer whatever support we can in facilitating that process.
Anyone seeking guidance in making protected disclosures or addressing ongoing penalisation or wrongdoing, including free legal advice or psychological support, can contact TI Ireland’s Speak Up Helpline from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday at 1800 844 866.
Having legislation and procedures in place is not enough. Organisations also need to demonstrate a clear, measurable commitment to safeguarding those who speak up and to acting appropriately when concerns are raised.
More information is available at www.speakup.ie