Gaspar: Voice's Amendment Could Negate Purpose of Whistleblower Protection Bill

Bratislava, 5 December (TASR) - House Vice-chair Tibor Gaspar (Smer-SD) will consider whether the amending proposal submitted by Voice-SD MPs could negate the purpose of the bill concerning the Crime Victims and Whistleblowers Protection Office and may even submit his own amendment, TASR reported on Friday. "I really think that for every new bit of protection that will emerge after this law is approved, there should be a remedy available for employers if it seems to them that the report is genuinely not qualified, while also making it possible to have the prosecutor's decision reviewed by a superior prosecutor," stated Gaspar, adding the whistleblower protection should be subject to regular review by the state, as is the case with pre-trial detention. MPs are debating the bill on the Crime Victims and Whistleblowers Protection Office at its second reading under a fast-tracked procedure. It is intended to replace the existing Whistleblowers Protection Office (UOO). The amendment, submitted in Parliament by Voice-SD MPs, aims to align the legislation with an EU directive. The amendment would no longer enable employers to request a review of whistleblower protection. The condition that a whistleblower must be in an employment relationship with the person whose activity they reported should also be removed. jrg/df