Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
681. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will work in relation to the report prepared by the military authorities with the injured parties to ensure that they are satisfied that the terms of reference include and investigate all of the avenues that they have requested (details supplied). [63073/21]
View answerI am committed to establishing an Independent Review to examine the effectiveness of systems, policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces
Extensive consultations on the development of Terms of Reference for the Review have taken place with a range of stakeholders, including serving members of the Defence Forces, the Women of Honour Group, and the Defence Forces Representative Associations. I am having further meetings with stakeholders this week with a view to progressing this important Review.
The Terms of Reference for the Review are based to a large extent on those developed by the respective Departments of Defence in Canada, UK and the US, where similar serious workplace issues were identified to those we face in the Irish Defence Forces.
I have also liaised with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to satisfy myself that our course of action is appropriate and thorough. In addition, the advice of the Office of the Attorney General has guided us on the preparation of the Terms of Reference.
The Independent Review Group will be totally independent in undertaking its function and will be given any access it requires, to records or personnel, in both the Defence Forces and the Department, in order to undertake its role. It's Terms of Reference will be sufficiently broad to allow the Independent Review Group members latitude to explore the areas that they need to explore and to bring forward recommendations for future actions. The Terms will explicitly provide an opportunity for the Independent Review Group, to consider in their final report, whether further reports are needed.
This Review is a necessary and critical first step in fulfilling my duty of care obligations to make the workplace safe for serving members of the Defence Forces.
Separately, the Deputy will be aware that I have have already introduced a number of interim measures for both serving and retired personnel.
The appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) within Raisecaconcern is available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and provides a safe place to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace. The confidential contact person is independent and outside of the chain of command and their role is listen to the caller, assist them in documenting their allegations, and provide guidance on follow-on options.
The INSPIRE confidential helpline, which is available on a 24/7 basis for all serving members of the Defence Forces, has also been made available to anyone who has contacted the Confidential Contact Person.
In addition, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) in the Defence Forces assists members and their immediate family with the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.
I would also, however, once again ask anyone with allegations or evidence of abuse to confidentially contact the Garda National Protective Services Bureau on gnpsb@garda.ie or to call 01-6663423.
As Minister for Defence, I wish to reitertate that I am committed as an absolute priority, to ensure that each member of the Defence Forces, male and female, is able to carry out their duties in a safe workplace, underpinned by dignity and equality.
