Mick Clifford: Helen McEntee needs to explain how she attempted to protect the whistleblower

Former justice minister Helen McEntee may have serious questions to answer, says Mick Clifford

So far, Helen McEntee has not given any explanation as to why she sent a protected disclosure back to An Garda Síochána. File photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Laws to protect whistleblowers have been implemented on foot of bad experience. There have been numerous cases of whistleblower reprisal, none more so than that of Maurice McCabe, who exposed abuses of the penalty points system within the gardaí.

As a result of his and others’ experience, special provisions have been put in law to ensure they are protected. In that respect, former minister for justice Helen McEntee may have serious questions to answer.