Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
576. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on the way in which the protected disclosures process has been carried out in An Garda Síochána over the past ten years. [68416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protected Disclosures Acts 2014 and 2022 have established a strong legislative framework to support and protect people with concerns about actions or omissions in their workplace. In addition, the development of An Garda Síochána’s Protected Disclosures Policy during this period was informed by a review undertaken by the then Policing Authority.
Under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, Garda members and Garda staff may confidentially disclose allegations of wrongdoing through established mechanisms within An Garda Síochána, or to Fiosrú, formerly the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
An Garda Síochána and Fiosrú are operationally independent and both bodies have their own mechanisms in place for the receipt, assessment, and management of protected disclosures received.
In accordance with section 22 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (as amended), both An Garda Síochána and Fiosrú publish annual reports in relation to Protected Disclosures and complaints and these are published on their respective websites.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, established the Garda Board; the Policing and Community Safety Authority (replacing the Policing Authority and Garda Síochána Inspectorate) and Fiosrú - the independent Police Ombudsman.
The Act was designed to enhance governance, oversight and accountability in relation to the delivery of policing and security services by An Garda Síochána.
Section 206 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 provides for the investigation of Protected Disclosures relating to An Garda Síochána by Fiosrú.
Where Protected Disclosures are made internally within An Garda Síochána, the 2024 Act gives the Garda Board and the Audit Committee important oversight roles in relation to the operation of the Protected Disclosure system in An Garda Síochána.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that all Protected Disclosures made to An Garda Síochána are treated seriously. In addition to the reforms provided for in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, a number of measures have been taken to strengthen protected disclosure mechanisms within An Garda Síochána including the assignment of additional resources to the Protected Disclosures Unit and the transfer of responsibility for Protected Disclosures to the Office of Assistant Commissioner, Governance & Accountability which also has responsibility for the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit and the Professional Standards Unit. Furthermore, Transparency International Ireland have provided training to the Protected Disclosures Unit and senior Garda managers, and provide support and confidential advice to any member of An Garda Síochána who may be considering making a Protected Disclosure.
Having regard to the substantial programme of Garda reform that has been undertaken over the last decade, I am satisfied that there is in place a robust system to deal with, and oversee the handling of, Protected Disclosures in An Garda Síochána.
