Call for new laws to protect whistleblowers

NEW legislation to protect whistleblowers is urgently needed to protect vulnerable people in society, human rights campaigner Alice Leahy has said.

Ms Leahy, who runs homeless charity Trust Ireland, called for the legislation, underlining the urgency of creating a culture where speaking out is the responsibility of everyone in the health, homeless and social services.

Ms Leahy warned that all vulnerable people, including children, the elderly and people who are homeless, are in danger of institutional abuse unless action is taken to introduce human rights-based approaches in all areas in the State and voluntary sectors.