McEntee declines to back calls for disclosures inquiry

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee has refused to support requests for a formal public inquiry into the management of protected disclosures within An Garda Síochána, following the recent RTÉ Investigates program. Garda representative groups and opposing political parties have demanded an inquiry due to their apprehensions regarding the independence of the protected disclosures process in the Garda force.

The former Minister for Justice emphasized her adherence to the law and her stance on the matter during a Fine Gael conference in Dublin. RTÉ Investigates revealed that two individuals who handled protected disclosures by Garda whistleblowers had also reported the disclosures, claiming that reforms meant to safeguard whistleblowers had been weakened by senior officials.

McEntee reiterated her position from the Dáil on Thursday that she had always followed the law in handling protected disclosures during her tenure at the Department of Justice. When asked about the possibility of a public inquiry, she stated she would not challenge the decision made by Minister Jim O'Callaghan. Opposition politician Alan Kelly accused McEntee of incompetence or error in her handling of a protected disclosure, which could harm her and the government she served.

However, McEntee affirmed her intention to continue serving in her ministerial role. She declined to comment on whether she would be willing to appear before the Dáil next week to address the matter, stating she had already provided all necessary information. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will commence a review of protected disclosure structures within An Garda Síochána at the end of the year, as mandated by law by 2027. McEntee urged all stakeholders to participate in this review process.