Taoiseach: Public sector workers who disagree with policy are listened to

There has been a “change of attitude” in the public sector where workers disagreeing with policy approaches in departments are listened to, the Taoiseach told the Dáil.

Enda Kenny gave an assurance that public servants will have “full protection” if they put forward opposing or alternative views which will be “listened to and taken into account before decisions are taken by Government”.

He was responding to questions from the Independent TD Shane Ross about revelations that a civil servant in the Department of Finance had been silenced when she raised concerns about the property bubble under the previous administration.

The Dublin South TD said her warnings “fell on deaf ears” and were “not only discouraged but were dismissed by senior officials above her”.

He asked if the “conformist culture” still existed in the Department of Finance which would be of detriment to the nation”.

However, Mr Kenny assured the house there was a “whole new regime” in the way decisions were being taken about the economy.

“Far from being some kind of dictatorship, if there is some alternative or opposing view it will be listened to and discussed and the vested authorities of Government will make decisions in an open and democratic fashion in the best interest of the country,” he said.

The finance department was split into two separate sections under the current administration.

Mr Ross said he would be “concerned” that the “bullish” attitude in the Department of Finance continued today.

The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee is preparing recommendations for an inquiry into the banking collapse.

Mr Kenny said: “Legislation in respect of whistleblowers is being worked on. The attitude is very much changed from what it was in that this Government are very open to hearing the truth of the recommendations that people in the public service wish to make.

“You ask is there room for dissent, there is certainly room for an opposing or an alternative view.”