Section 22 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 provides that every public body shall prepare and publish, not later than 30 June each year, a report in relation to the immediately preceding year in a form which does not enable the identification of the persons involved. The report is required to specify:
i. the number of protected disclosures made to the public body;
ii. the action (if any) taken in response to those protected disclosures; and
iii. such other information relating to those protected disclosures and the action taken as may be requested by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform from time to time.
ODCE includes this report each year in its Annual Report. In addition, details are set out below.
2017
Reports received during 2017
During the year ended 31 December, 2017 the ODCE received 1 protected disclosure.
Action (if any) taken in response to the protected disclosures received
On examination it was determined to fall outside the remit of the Office.
Such other information relating to those protected disclosures and the action taken as may be requested by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform from time to time
Not applicable.
2016
Reports received during 2016
During the year ended 31 December, 2016 the ODCE received 4 protected disclosures.
Action (if any) taken in response to the protected disclosures received
Two were, upon examination, determined to fall outside the remit of the Office. The third was satisfactorily resolved following intervention by this Office. The matters contained in the fourth protected disclosure received were examined with a view to determining whether they came within the Office’ statutory remit. It was concluded that they did and, at year end, the Office’s examination of the matter was ongoing.
Such other information relating to those protected disclosures and the action taken as may be requested by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform from time to time
Not applicable.
2015
Reports received during 2015
During the course of 2015, three such disclosures were made to the Office as a prescribed person under section 7 of the Act. The Office received no reports as an employer under section 6 of the Act, or in any other case under section 10.
Action (if any) taken in response to the protected disclosures received
All of these cases have been dealt with in a manner consistent with the Office’s approach to dealing with all allegations of wrongdoing, including by reference to the Office’s obligations as to confidentiality.
Such other information relating to those protected disclosures and the action taken as may be requested by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform from time to time
Not applicable.