In June 2016 the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) formally requested the Policing Authority to submit a report on the policies and procedures in the Garda Síochána to deal with whistle-blowers/whistleblowing, and to make recommendations.

The Authority has now completed a review of the Garda Síochána Protected Disclosures Policy. The review was carried out in conjunction with a number of experts having regard to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, related Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Guidance, and best practice. The Authority has made a number of recommendations in relation to the policy, to which substantive and positive responses have been received from the Garda Síochána. These responses have been incorporated into the Authority's Report which has been sent to the Tánaiste.

As part of its ongoing oversight, the Authority will follow up with the Garda Síochána in relation to the implementation of the Authority recommendations and proposed next steps.