Vol. 509 No. 4
40 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details on recent allegations of sexual harassment, bullying or incidents of abuse in the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself that adequate mechanisms are in place to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20548/99]
139 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of recent allegations of sexual harassment, bullying or incidents of abuse in the Defence Forces; if he has satisfied himself that adequate mechanisms are in place to deal with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20524/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 139 together.
The military authorities advise that complaints of bullying or abuse in the Defence Forces arise very rarely. Comprehensive procedures are, however, in place to deal with bullying and abuse in the Defence Forces if such allegations arise. These procedures are outlined in the relevant administrative instructions. This document deals with interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces and is written for all personnel irrespective of rank, gender or sexual orientation. The prevention of bullying and abuse or unacceptable interpersonal behaviour is viewed as being best achieved by the education of all personnel, by way of talks to troops and inclusion in syllabi of training. Personnel may also submit any complaints which they may have through the redress of wrongs procedure, as provided for under section 114 of the Defence Act.
There has been a number of recent reports in the media on this issue. Obviously, the Minister cannot comment on individual cases but has there been an increase in the number of reports of harassment and bullying within the Defence Forces? Is the Minister satisfied that adequate mechanisms are in place and that people feel free to make reports? In that context, I understand the Minister had promised to appoint an ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Is he still considering that?
I am tired of delivering everything I promise. I have almost gone ahead of myself.
The Minister will have to fulfil some of his promises now.
There have been six complaints concerning alleged bullying or intimidation in the past three years, none of which was subsequently substantiated. Two such complaints are in the process of being investigated at the moment and, quite separately, four cases are being investigated by the military police, three of which involve alleged sexual assault.
While the numbers are low and there has not been an increase in the number of complaints, even one such infringement is totally unacceptable. It is important that proper instructions, education measures and other systems are available to deal with such infringements. People can also avail of the redress of wrongs procedure after an incident occurs. However, I am more anxious to ensure such matters do not arise in the first instance and I want to ensure a more progressive and enlightened approach to dealing with them should they occur. A review of the complaints procedure is ongoing and we will address the possibility of the appointment of an ombudsman when that is completed.
Further to the figures and cases the Minister outlined, is the Minister satisfied that adequate training is being provided on these issues and how to deal with them within the Defence Forces?
The specialist staff comprise a chaplain, a medical officer, a Defence Forces' psychologist, a member of the personnel support service and liaison officers. I am satisfied that the Defence Forces has the necessary competence, personnel, training and syllabi to address these matters. How can one say that everything is perfect for all time? We must be constantly conscious of the problems which can befall us in these areas and we must be open to suggestions for improvement, from wherever they come, to eliminate the possibility of such incidents occurring.
