Whistle-blowers hotline popular in first month

A NEW whistle-blowers hotline received complaints and allegations about the health service, solicitors and malpractice by employers in its first month.

Concerned complainants are being advised on taking legal action, officially filing their grievances or on how to highlight their allegations through the media.

The ethics and anti-corruption helpline was launched by Transparency International Ireland.

The independent corruption watchdog’s chief executive John Devitt said that over 100 complaints had been received since the phone lines were opened to the public.

“But we haven’t come across a ‘Watergate’ yet,” he said.

Most complaints since the service went live on May 26 related to the HSE, and have included allegations by staff as well as patients.

Numerous complaints have also been lodged in the education and banking sectors.

Others have centred on claims that solicitors abused their positions in land-related cases and in carrying out their duties with wills of relatives.

The service also received allegations of malpractice against employers, particularly from migrant workers who feel their rights have been abused and who are fearful of having their work permits revoked or working hours reduced if they make their complaints formally known to their bosses.

“They’re in a very vulnerable position,” said Mr Devitt.

“With most of the complaints in general, we have advised them about their rights, put them in touch with our network of solicitors and advised them about pursuing their charges through the courts or the public authority concerned.

“Some have also sought advice about highlighting their complaint through the media or through a TD or senator.”

The Speak Up helpline, Ireland’s first service for whistle-blowers and victims of corruption, is free and hopes to advise people about wrongdoing in the workplace, waste and fraud in public bodies as well as organisations or individuals who have been the victims of white-collar crime.

TI Ireland offers callers a free referral service to a network of lawyers, although the helpline has also received complaints about a number of solicitors.

Individuals can call the free-phone number 1800 844866, visit speakup.ie to send an anonymous or confidential message online to the group’s “hushmail” encrypted email system. Services are open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.