Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the measures taken at NI Water to prevent whistleblowers from being penalised.
Minister for Infrastructure: The issue you have raised is an operational matter for NI Water; however, I have sought the required information.
NI Water has advised my department that its Speak Up (Whistleblowing) policy sets out the circumstances in which those making disclosures about wrongdoing will qualify for protection.
In accordance with that policy, NI Water will not tolerate discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation of anyone under any circumstances; any of these actions constitutes a serious disciplinary offence which can lead to dismissal.
Protected disclosures are handled in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order.
For any future queries relating to operational matters, you should contact NI Water directly, through the Elected Representatives Hotline on 0345 300 6461 or through waterline@niwater.com .
Making direct contact with NI Water will ensure that you receive the information in the shortest possible timeframe and make best use of limited public resources.
ENDS
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