Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
236. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence when the independent review of the revelations disclosed by a radio programme (details supplied) will be established; and the projected timeframe of the review. [49334/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I met recently with participants from the Women of Honour group and with a group of serving female members of the Defence Forces, where I had the opportunity to listen carefully to their experiences, in what were very informative meetings. I have expressed my deep appreciation to the women, both former and serving members, for highlighting this serious matter and for taking the time to meet with me. Participants from the Women of Honour group have also met with the Secretary General and a senior official from my Department.
Discussions had been taking place over a number of months on Terms for an Independent Review to examine the effectiveness of policies, systems and procedures relating for dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. On foot of the recent meetings, I have asked that the draft Terms are reviewed and that the Review is established without delay. Further engagement with the Women of Honour Group on the Terms of the Review is intended. In addition engagement with other stakeholders, including with the Representative Associations, is also scheduled, and will additionally inform the Terms.
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 the Independent Review.
I also announced, last week, interim support measures for both former and serving members of the Defence Forces who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
An agreement has been reached with Raiseaconcern, an organisation working with private sector and public bodies on issues relating to workplace wrongdoing, on the appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) who will be available to assist members of the Defence Forces who may find themselves the victim of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or gender discrimination in the workplace. This will provide a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing.
An external Confidential Contact Person will be available to serving and former members of the Defence Forces, both female and male, on a confidential basis, to listen to and assist them in documenting their allegations and to provide guidance on follow-on options open to them. These options will differ depending on whether the individual involved is a serving or former member of the Defence Forces and on the nature of the allegations. This will allow each individual to make an informed decision in relation to next steps regarding their allegations. The CCP is entirely independent and outside of the Defence Forces Chain of Command.
My Department and the Defence Forces are also engaging with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in terms of assistance for both serving and former personnel who have suffered sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape, in the workplace.
Finally, I wish to assure you that I, as Minister, and both the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General are fully committed to ensuring that each and every single member of the Defence Forces, both male and female, has the right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties in a safe workplace, underpinned by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, or harassment.
