Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
110. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the Defence Forces' process of implementing recommendations on anti-discrimination law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47130/21]
View answer139. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made on the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations following the successful case brought by a person (details supplied). [46797/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 139 together.
The Deputy will be aware that WRC rulings are in the public domain and will be also aware that the Adjudicator in his December 2020 ruling on two complaints brought by an individual, upheld one complaint on the grounds of gender discrimination in relation to promotion, owing to the treatment of absences in terms of access to promotion contrary to S.8 (1) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. The Adjudicator found that the Minister did not discriminate against the Complainant, and did not victimise her, within the meaning of S.2, S. 6(1) and S. 74 (2) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 as alleged in the individual's second complaint.
The directions of the ruling are currently being implemented by the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes and materials for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with, the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and that follow-on actions will be progressed. A Defence Forces Working Group is established comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations. The Working Group has had 12 plenary meetings to date in addition to meetings of sub-groups. Progress is continuing in line with the timelines set out in the ruling which will be fully complied with.
