Need to protect 'whistleblowers'

Madam, - Recent allegations about the exploitation of immigrant workers suggest that significant, long-established, illegal and…

Madam, - Recent allegations about the exploitation of immigrant workers suggest that significant, long-established, illegal and unacceptable practices can remain unidentified over long periods, even by those charged with conducting inspections. They also reveal how those directly affected seem unable to draw attention to their dilemma, no matter how bad their circumstances. One invariably discovers that they (correctly) feel vulnerable to the consequences of taking any action, however modest.

When organisations manifest repeated forms of behaviour they do so through the behaviour, decisions and actions of managers and supervisors. And there may well be corporate mechanisms that tacitly encourage them.

Unfortunately, "Official Ireland" often reacts to reports of such corporate deficiencies in a literalistic and legalistic manner. This seems to derive from a desire to protect organisations. One is often asked to provide unambiguous evidence, but warned that no guarantees can be given to protect the person providing the report. Great detail is demanded of the reporter, yet no guarantees can be given and the matter then disappears into a "black hole".

I believe it appropriate to repeat my call for an Irish "whistleblowers' charter". The Irish Airline Pilots' Association also calls upon the Irish Aviation Authority to establish an appropriate confidential safety reporting system at the earliest possible opportunity. We must find a mechanism to offset the power of the minority of buccaneer employers for whom Government policy is to be accepted only when convenient, and for whom the law of the land is but a tool in their corporate armoury. - Yours, etc.

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Capt EVAN CULLEN, President, IALPA, Corballis Park, Dublin Airport.