Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2021
122. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when the independent review of the revelations made in a documentary (details supplied) will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51691/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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. In addition, participants from the Women of Honour group have met with the Secretary General and senior officials from my Department and I understand these were also productive meetings.
The Terms for an Independent Review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures currently in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, had been under consideration for several months and are being reviewed in light of these recent meetings and the views expressed.
I also intend to invite, very shortly, members of Women of Honour, serving members of the Defence Forces and other stakeholders, including the Representative Associations, to provide their input into the finalisation of these Terms.
I wish to underline again that this Review will be undertaken by external and entirely independent and unbiased experts in this field.
The Deputy will also be aware that I have recently announced interim measures for both former and serving members of the Defence Forces who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. Former members of the Defence Forces, both male and female, affected by any of the issues raised, are being advised to note details of these supports.
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 an external Confidential Contact Person (CCP) who will be available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces who have been affected ]by these issues. This facility will provide a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing.
In addition, I have announced that my Department and the Defence Forces are 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 reiterate my commitment and that of the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, to ensure that every member of the Defence Forces, male and female can carry out their duties in a safe, and respectful workplace based on dignity, equality and zero-tolerance for any kind of unaccepatble behaviour.
