Several whistleblowers who have reported wrongdoing and poor practice in State-run organisations have called for greater protections for those who make protected disclosures.
The whistleblowers were speaking at Leinster House as part of World Whistleblower Day 2026 which recognises those who raise concerns around potential wrongdoing in organisations and governments.
Among those to speak this afternoon was Dr Maya Sharma, who in April told RTÉ how they have been forced to sleep rough in London, having had difficulties in finding work since raising red flags about prescribing practices at South Kerry CAMHS.
Dr Sharma, who was known as Dr Ankur Sharma when working in Kerry but has since transitioned female, claims they were "blacklisted" and "ghosted" after their whistleblowing.
Two HSE reports - commissioned on foot of Dr Sharma's initial concerns - found widespread concerns around prescribing and diagnostic practices across Kerry Child Mental Health Services. A third review is currently under way.
"We need less praise after destruction, but more protection before destruction," said Dr Sharma, who hopes to return to Kerry to practice having recently began the process of re-registering with the Irish Medical Council.
"I have not forgotten the families - they are why I spoke. Behind every report, there is grief and pain. There are children and young people with futures," they added.
Shane Corr discovered sensitive departmental records on children with autism who were...
The Management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has addressed claims suggesting that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria. Calling ...