European whistleblowing compliance in Ireland is regulated by the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, which was significantly updated by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 to fully transpose the EU Whistleblowing Directive. Key requirements mandate internal reporting channels for organizations, broad personal scope for reporters, and strict follow-up timelines.

Employer Compliance Obligations

• Thresholds: Private-sector companies with 50 or more employees must set up formal internal reporting channels. Smaller businesses are exempt unless operating in specific high-risk sectors like financial services, environmental protection, or transport safety.
• Channel Setup: Systems must accept both oral and written reports confidentially from workers, volunteers, shareholders, and job applicants.
• Acknowledgment & Feedback: Employers must acknowledge reports within 7 days and provide diligent follow-up feedback to the reporter within 3 months.
• Record Keeping: Complete logs of every report must be maintained for at least 5 years.

We have members who can connect you with Expert Advice in relation to your compliance in this area, with some members offering software that can help you fulfil this need.  To connect with these members please email me miriam@dublinchamber.ie