Vol. 442 No. 4
5 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence when the study group to examine and make recommendations on interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces is expected to report; the members of the group; the number of occasions on which it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The study group has submitted its report to the military authorities who are now considering the matter.
The study group was comprised of three officers and three non-commissioned officers. One of the officers and one of the non-commissioned officers was female.
When does the Minister expect there will be a report? Will it deal with the situation that arose in the recent court-martial where a person was found to be in breach of Army regulations because of a private sexual relationship?
I cannot deal with that case because there may possibly be an appeal or it may be sub judice. As I have said on a number of occasions, a statement on sexual orientation is not required when joining the Defence Forces. All that is required is that normal standards and normal behaviour, regardless of sexual orientation be observed. I imagine that would apply to Leinster House or any work place. I use the term “normal” advisedly because, as we know, homosexuality has been decriminalised. Work should not be interrupted by one's sexual orientation. As I have said, there is no bar against homosexuals or heterosexuals in the Defence Forces.
Can I take it that it is not in breach——
I am not the Minister for morality.
I am not asking the Minister to be that. I am asking him to make it clear that the Defence Forces——
——and I do not want to be seen in that position.
I am pleased to hear the Minister say that. Perhaps the Minister will listen.
There are no religious briefs in this country.
There are, unfortunately.
Can we proceed in an orderly fashion?
I apologise, a Cheann Comhairle.
Will the Minister assure the House that Army regulations on the conduct of soldiers do not impinge on any member of the force when engaged with another member in private sexual activity, whether heterosexual or homosexual?
I am subject to correction but I would like to think that there are no such regulations in existence. I would imagine that where the "normal" pattern of the work place, say, in this House, might be interrupted by a sexual relationship, whether heterosexual or homosexual, the Captain of the Guard would have to bring it to the attention of the Ceann Comhairle and the individual would have to be reprimanded or an appropriate sanction applied.
I think the Ceann Comhairle should be left out of it.
He is not a policeman either.
He is an excellent Ceann Comhairle.
