Ireland saw a significant volume of whistleblower activity in 2023, with 1,162 protected disclosures reported to public bodies. This figure reflects growing awareness and trust in the Protected Disclosures framework, which aims to safeguard individuals who report wrongdoing in the workplace. Notably, 85% of these disclosures were made externally, indicating that many individuals chose to report concerns outside their immediate organization—often to regulators or designated authorities.

Among the disclosures, several had substantial impact. One standout case involved a whistleblower within the Health Service Executive (HSE), which led to the recovery of €3.7 million for the exchequer. This example underscores the value of protected disclosures not only in promoting transparency but also in safeguarding public funds. The increasing number of reports suggests that the system is functioning effectively, encouraging individuals to come forward with serious concerns.

For professionals in ICT and compliance roles, these figures highlight the importance of maintaining secure, accessible, and confidential reporting channels. As the volume of disclosures grows, organizations must ensure their systems can handle sensitive information appropriately and in line with legal obligations. The trend also reinforces the need for ongoing training and awareness to support a culture where whistleblowing is seen as a responsible and protected act.