Opposition To Dutch Bill On Whistleblowers

Although a large percentage of Dutch parliament members are in favour, the bill introducing a "house for whistleblowers" is being heavily criticised. The criticism is largely directed at the combined investigatory and advisory role of the new authority and the investigative powers of this authority, which may interfere with investigations by existing criminal and regulatory authorities.

The bill currently pending before the Second Chamber envisages the introduction of a "house for whistleblowers", which will be part of the Dutch National Ombudsman's office. According to the bill, the "house" will have the combined functions of acting as an advisor to whistleblowers, an office for the reporting of issues and an investigator into the issues that are being reported. The "house" can also investigate how an employer has treated the whistleblower. The bill introduces a statutory safeguard against whistleblowers being dismissed and a legal requirement for companies that