Whistleblower phoneline launched by Transparency International

THE whistleblower phone line launched by Transparency International (Ireland) for whistleblowers and victims of corruption has been welcomed by Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien, the party’s Dáil spokesperson on Justice.

Deputy O’Brien called on the Government to introduce comprehensive whistleblower legislation as a matter of urgency in helping to combat white-collar crime and corruption.

The Speak Up Helpline will offer free, confidential information to people facing ethical dilemmas, those reporting concerns about wrongdoing in the workplace, waste and fraud in public bodies, or people or organisations that have been the victim of corruption or white-collar crime.

The service is the first of its kind in Western Europe, although Transparency International chapters already operate such helplines in around 40 countries worldwide.

According to TI Ireland Chief Executive John Devitt:

The new service will offer people the opportunity to follow their conscience knowing that there is support and information available when it’s needed.  It takes courage and integrity to speak up and report corruption, fraud or the abuse of power. This service will offer people a new source support and a safer way to report.

Where necessary, TI Ireland will also provide a free referral service to a network of lawyers and other professionals who may be in a position to help callers to the service, while TI Ireland will report concerns to employers or the relevant authorities on behalf of workers or citizens where both parties agree.

The statistics gathered by TI Ireland from the service will be published in periodic reports and will help identify systemic problems and in advocating for political or legal reform.

Individuals will be able to call Freephone 1800 844 866 to speak with a volunteer from TI Ireland, or log onto www.speakup.ie to send an anonymous or confidential message online.

The ‘Hushmail’ email system used by TI Ireland is electronically encrypted and will allow for people to contact the helpline with reduced risk of the email accounts being hacked.

The free phone service will be operated from TI Ireland’s Transparency Resource Centre in Dublin and will be open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

John Devitt added:

I have been receiving calls from the public or whistleblowers for a long time asking for support and have planned this service for close to four years but we were never able to secure the financial support to launch it.

Given everything that we have learned about fraud, waste and corruption in both public bodies and our banks, it is a shame we weren't in a position to get it off the ground sooner. Maybe people just didn't see the need.

Pilot funding for the ‘Speak Up’ helpline and service is now being provided as part of an independent feasibility study by British and German universities of the service and funded by the European Commission. Core funding for Transparency International Ireland comes from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and public donations.