‘Speak Up’ helpline that was launched in Dublin this May by Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland) has highlighted the need for increased awareness in relation to the public’s rights says TI Ireland’s Chief Executive John Devitt.
Speaking to The Epoch Times Mr Devitt said that since the service’s launch it has received over 140 contacts, the bulk of which break down into four major categories: they relate to either the health service, education, local authorities or the banks. Another area highlighted (10 per cent) related to complaints with respect to solicitors.
“What was most surprising was the fact that a large number of people were not aware of existing agencies to whom they could report, such as the Standards in Public Office Commission or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal,” said Mr Devitt.
“We have referred a large number of people onto agencies like the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal where people were unaware of how to report or who to report to. A smaller number of complaints will need further research and we may bring a small number of cases to public attention,” said Mr Devitt.
According to TI a small number of people have contacted the helpline about reporting wrongdoing within organisations. “We wouldn’t have expected too many people who are working in those bodies to speak up,” said Mr Devitt, his reasoning being that the legislation to give comprehensive blanket guarantee protection to whistleblowers within organisations, has yet to be introduced. He therefore does not expect to see a rise in those numbers until such protection is provided.
“Minister Brendan Howlin is set to bring a bill to cabinet later this year,” stated Mr Devitt.
Commenting on the helpline at its launch earlier this year Minister Howlin said “The commitments in the programme for government are quite specific in regard to whistleblowing; it states that the government will introduce whistleblowers legislation, and I would like to confirm that commitment that we will legislate to protect whistleblowers who speak out against wrongdoing.”
The ‘Speak Up’ helpline has secured funding for the first year from the European Commission, during which period an independent feasibility study will be carried out by British and German universities. “We have not secured an additional funding which is going to be a challenge,” said Mr Devitt, hinting that the future of the service was uncertain.
Mr Devitt believes the service is essential because from the type of calls it is getting, it shows in his opinion that there is a lack of awareness among the public of existing complaints mechanisms. “Most of the public are not sure who they should be reporting to or how they can report. Most people are not aware that their public servants are obliged to report and disclose their own financial interests, they are not aware that they can actually access much of this information from their local authorities.
“Our role is to raise awareness of people’s rights to information particularly to information around the interests of public officials on the one hand and how money is spent on the other,” said Mr Devitt.
According to Mr Devitt the service is client focused. TI are not interested in getting a “scoop” with respect to information on wrongdoing, they are there to help whistleblowers be aware of their rights and the consequences of their actions.
“We are not here to pressurise anyone into reporting, we just make it easier for them if they feel that that is what they should do. Our goal is not to make news,” said Mr Devitt.
With respect to future funding, Mr Devitt said “we are hopeful that someone or a group of donors will come in behind the project and lend it the support it needs.”
Speaking to The Epoch Times Mr Devitt said that since the service’s launch it has received over 140 contacts, the bulk of which break down into four major categories: they relate to either the health service, education, local authorities or the banks. Another area highlighted (10 per cent) related to complaints with respect to solicitors.
“What was most surprising was the fact that a large number of people were not aware of existing agencies to whom they could report, such as the Standards in Public Office Commission or the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal,” said Mr Devitt.
“We have referred a large number of people onto agencies like the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal where people were unaware of how to report or who to report to. A smaller number of complaints will need further research and we may bring a small number of cases to public attention,” said Mr Devitt.
According to TI a small number of people have contacted the helpline about reporting wrongdoing within organisations. “We wouldn’t have expected too many people who are working in those bodies to speak up,” said Mr Devitt, his reasoning being that the legislation to give comprehensive blanket guarantee protection to whistleblowers within organisations, has yet to be introduced. He therefore does not expect to see a rise in those numbers until such protection is provided.
“Minister Brendan Howlin is set to bring a bill to cabinet later this year,” stated Mr Devitt.
Commenting on the helpline at its launch earlier this year Minister Howlin said “The commitments in the programme for government are quite specific in regard to whistleblowing; it states that the government will introduce whistleblowers legislation, and I would like to confirm that commitment that we will legislate to protect whistleblowers who speak out against wrongdoing.”
The ‘Speak Up’ helpline has secured funding for the first year from the European Commission, during which period an independent feasibility study will be carried out by British and German universities. “We have not secured an additional funding which is going to be a challenge,” said Mr Devitt, hinting that the future of the service was uncertain.
Mr Devitt believes the service is essential because from the type of calls it is getting, it shows in his opinion that there is a lack of awareness among the public of existing complaints mechanisms. “Most of the public are not sure who they should be reporting to or how they can report. Most people are not aware that their public servants are obliged to report and disclose their own financial interests, they are not aware that they can actually access much of this information from their local authorities.
“Our role is to raise awareness of people’s rights to information particularly to information around the interests of public officials on the one hand and how money is spent on the other,” said Mr Devitt.
According to Mr Devitt the service is client focused. TI are not interested in getting a “scoop” with respect to information on wrongdoing, they are there to help whistleblowers be aware of their rights and the consequences of their actions.
“We are not here to pressurise anyone into reporting, we just make it easier for them if they feel that that is what they should do. Our goal is not to make news,” said Mr Devitt.
With respect to future funding, Mr Devitt said “we are hopeful that someone or a group of donors will come in behind the project and lend it the support it needs.”
