Michael McGrath: Whistleblowers' bill will put burden of proof onto employer

Whistleblowers play an important role in the prevention of corruption in both the public and the private sector and they deserve our protection

Whistleblowers such as Maurice McCabe play an important role in corruption prevention. Picture: Barry Cronin

The principles of openness, transparency, and accountability should be at the core of government and public administration. The embodiment of these principles in the day to day operation of public institutions is necessary to support trust in those bodies which is a cornerstone of a well-functioning democracy.

I have within my remit, as minister for public expenditure and reform, a suite of important legislation which supports and strengthens these principles and their operation. This encompasses Whistleblowing, Freedom of Information, Regulation of Lobbying and Ethics. In all of these, I have instructed my department to review existing legislation and to bring forward proposals to strengthen areas where weaknesses have been identified.