Protected Disclosures Act

The Protected Disclosures Act came into effect on 15th July 2014. The purpose of the Act is to provide a framework within which workers can raise concerns regarding potential wrongdoing that has come to their attention in the work place in the knowledge that protections are available to them from any form of penalisation from doing so.  Sligo County Council has put in place a Policy and Procedure through which it is intended to foster a culture and work environment within which workers are encouraged and supported in making reports in the knowledge that their concerns will be taken seriously, will be investigated, where appropriate, and that their confidentiality will be respected.

A wide definition of wrongdoing is contained within the Act, which includes –

1. that an offence has been, is being or is likely to be committed,
2. that a person has failed, is failing or is likely to fail to comply with any legal obligation, other than one arising under the worker’s contract of employment or other contract whereby the worker undertakes to do or perform personally any work or services,
3. that a miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur,
4. that the health or safety of any individual has been, is being or is likely to be endangered,
5. that the environment has been, is being or is likely to be damaged,
6. that an unlawful or otherwise improper use of funds or resources of a public body, or of other public money, has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur,
7. that an act or omission by or on behalf of a public body is oppressive, discriminatory or grossly negligent or constitutes gross mismanagement, or
8. that information tending to show any matter falling within any of the preceding paragraphs has been, is being or is likely to be concealed or destroyed. 

​This policy applies to all Sligo County Council workers including contractors, consultants, agency staff, former employees and interns/trainees.  The policy highlights that it is always appropriate to raise concerns when they are based on a reasonable belief irrespective of whether any wrongdoing is in fact subsequently identified and provides workers with guidance on how to raise concerns.

 

Designated Officer to Receive Disclosures

In accordance with the Protected Disclosure Act 2014, the Council has appointed Mr. John Moran, Senior Executive Officer, to receive protected disclosures.  Contact details for the designated officer are set out below –

Email:  jmoran@sligococo.ie

Post:  Director of Services, Sligo County Council, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo, F91 Y763 

Telephone:  071 911 1020.

 

Further Information: