Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2025
228. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the exclusion of Defence Forces members from WRC remedies under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54892/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (the Act) is to provide a mechanism whereby workers can provide information in confidence to employers relating to relevant wrongdoings as set out in the Act. It also protects persons from the taking of action against them in respect of the making of disclosures. A member of the Defence Forces has the status of a person holding office in the service of the State. In the case of members of the Defence Forces, the independent Ombudsman for the Defence Forces established pursuant to the provisions of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 is empowered to investigate claims of penalisation.
