Plans for whistleblower referendum abandoned

MOVES to give legal protections to whistleblowers have been thrown into doubt after plans for an autumn referendum on the issue were abandoned.

The vote had been expected to take place alongside the presidential election in October, but Attorney General Máire Wheelan has not approved the wording.

Fianna Fáil said the matter highlights confusion in Government over the issue as Taoiseach Enda Kenny had strongly indicated in the Dáil last week that the referendum would go ahead.