Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
64. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to uninvestigated historic sex abuse within the Defence Forces; the progress he has made on assessing, collating, investigating and addressing the legacy of such historic sex abuse in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36668/20]
View answerThe existence of actual or alleged sex abuse claims within a workplace is probably one of the most serious issues to be addressed by an employer. As an employer, I wish to state categorically that I do not condone in any way any such behaviour within the Defence Forces. I urge anyone who has any complaint which they think constitutes a criminal offence to report their concerns to an Garda Síochána. A serving member of the Defence Forces could report such matters via the chain of command or the military police.
From time to time matters pertaining to allegations of sex abuse are brought to my attention and I confirm that I have received correspondence containing allegations of inappropriate conduct in the workplace of an historical nature. The manner in which I receive this type of information and particularly if it is historical in nature, has a bearing on how I can deal with it. It may be received via a third party, it may be disclosed under condition of a person’s identity being protected or it may be received under privilege. Whenever I receive such information, I treat the matter with the utmost importance from the point of view of both the complainant and of those accused of wrongdoing who must have their right to fair procedures protected. This, in my opinion, is best achieved by those who may have suffered serious wrong reporting their complaints of a criminal nature to an Garda Síochána who have the lawful authority to investigate and to prosecute. This process, while not an easy road for anyone to travel, is designed to bring about a result in accordance with law and to provide suitable penalties against those who are convicted of crimes. The Gardaí have the expertise and skills to treat all of those in this process with dignity and respect and especially those who come forward with traumatic detail.
All members of the Defence Forces, Permanent and Reserve, have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. These unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces.
