THE ESTABLISHMENT of a new whistleblower system for the Garda will be announced today. Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan is to appoint Brian McCarthy, former secretary general to President Mary McAleese, to receive confidential reports from Garda whistleblowers who want to report corruption and malpractice in the force, The Irish Timeshas learned.
Mr McCarthy's appointment to the new office of Confidential Recipient is expected to be announced formally today.
The creation of the new office is based on a key proposal contained in the reports of the Morris tribunal, which has been investigating Garda corruption by some members of the force in the Donegal division.
The Morris tribunal found there were no realistic options for Garda members who wanted to expose wrongdoing and corruption in the force in complete confidence.
Government sources last night said the appointment of Mr McCarthy should, if and when the need arises, convince would-be whistleblowers that the State has established a dedicated agency that will take them seriously and ensure their identities will not be revealed to their colleagues.
The new office is seen as vital in assuring Garda whistleblowers that their career prospects will not be harmed for raising issues of concern and that they will not be intimidated or bullied.
In his new role, Mr McCarthy will be available to receive reports of corruption and malpractice from any Garda member or civilian Garda employee who decides to turn whistleblower. His office will operate on a strict in-confidence basis.
Mr McCarthy retired in February 2007 after 10 years as secretary general to the President. He has spent 45 years in the public service.
The creation of his office is being made under provisions in the Garda Síochána Regulations, 2007, which deal specifically with confidential reporting of corruption and malpractice.
Any person making a confidential report must be given feedback on any subsequent investigation.
The Garda Ombudsman Commission, which investigates complaints against members of the force, must be informed of any confidential reports.
Under the whistleblower regulations, the Garda Commissioner can also appoint confidential recipients from within the Garda and civilian membership of the force.
Whistleblowers can opt to report their concerns to these appointees instead of Mr McCarthy.
