IRISH COAST GUARD members have been informed that whistleblowing laws have been amended so that volunteers are now “explicitly included” under Protected Disclosure legislation.
In late 2021, several members of an experienced unit in Doolin, Co Clare were stood down permanently after relationships had “irretrievably broken down” within the unit, which was rocked in 2016 when their colleague Caitriona Lucas died tragically during a search in Kilkee.In the letter, seen by The Journal, Coast Guard Units & Support Manager Niall Ferns said he wanted to make members aware of the new policy issued by the Department of Transport, which is available to view here.
‘Lack of trust’ John O’Mahony from the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association said it was an important step.“There is a lack of trust and respect that has grown over the years which needs to be built up among the volunteers. Members need to be brought along to do that.” ‘Dozens’ of complaints He added that concerns remain in several units around the country, saying that Coast Guard members have filed “dozens” of grievance complaints over recent months to the transport minister and their minister of state, rather than Coast Guard management.