All members of the Defence Forces 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. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.
I listened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I am committed to meeting with the women profiled, should they wish to do so.
Regular reports on such matters are sent to me formally from the Chief of Staff and I received information on such matters by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wished to have their identity protected. I therefore have a statutory duty to comply with that wish. It would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases, as it would be in relation to those cases which are within an independent adjudication process.
I am aware of some of the complaints profiled in that programme but not the specific details of all. Senior officials have personally met and interacted with some of the people who were profiled on the programme, to facilitate them in bringing their complaints forward for investigation to the appropriate competent authority, An Garda Síochána.
I can assure the Deputy that both I, as Minister, and the Defence Organisation, are committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees. This is done by putting in place processes and procedures developed with professional guidance and reflecting best practice. These processes and procedures educate personnel, facilitate formal and informal complaint procedures and provide support for those affected. The criminal prosecution of those responsible for serious offences also plays a part in highlighting the unacceptable nature of such behaviour and provides for due process and fair procedures.
The Deputy may be aware that there have been three Reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) since the publication of the Report in 2002 of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces – “The challenge of a Workplace”, in which matters related to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment were examined.
Since 2002, reforms have been introduced and there are practices, and procedures in place within the Defence Forces set out in regulation and policy documents for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. Trained Designated Contact Persons are available to provide confidential support services to personnel. In addition, a range of other support services are available to personnel and their families, including the Personnel Support Service and Inspire 24/7 helpline.
It is recognised however, that further work needs to be done. A number of specific actions have been in progress over the past few months with a view to shaping future reforms.
Extensive discussions, which have been taking place in recent months on the establishment of an independent review, are at an advanced stage. The purpose of this independent review is to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. I will be shortly making a statement on the matter, once the terms have been reviewed in light of the programme.
The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to this independently chaired group.
I wish to reiterate to the Deputy that any type of inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable and allegations relating to sexual offences are extremely serious. Irrespective of when such matters of a criminal nature may have occurred, I remain of the view that they are best investigated by An Garda Síochána who have the powers and expertise to do so. I would again strongly urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to contact the Gardai without delay and in addition, to seek professional help and guidance which is available from State agencies such as the HSE or from registered charities specialising in this area.
