(17)Whistleblowers can bring new information to the attention of competent authorities which may assist them in detecting and imposing sanctions for irregularities, including fraud. However, whistleblowers may be deterred from doing so for fear of retaliation, or may lack incentives to do so. Member States should therefore ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to encourage whistleblowers to alert them to possible infringements of this Directive or of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 and to protect them from retaliation. Member States should also be able to provide them with incentives for doing so; however, whistleblowers should only be eligible for such incentives where they bring to light new information which they are not already legally obliged to notify and where that information results in a sanction for an infringement of this Directive or of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014. However, Member States should also ensure that whistleblowing schemes implemented by them include mechanisms that provide appropriate protection for the reported persons, particularly as regards the right to the protection of their personal data and procedures to ensure their right of defence and their right to be heard before the adoption of a decision concerning them, as well as the right to seek an effective remedy before a tribunal against such a decision. The mechanisms established should also provide appropriate protection for whistleblowers, not only as regards the right to the protection of personal data but also by ensuring that they are not victims of undue retaliation.