Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
95. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence the reports that he has received from the Independent Review Group into allegations of sexual harassment in the Defence Forces; his views on whether the group should have the power to compel witnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48966/22]
View answer96. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the last time he met with a group (details supplied). [48905/22]
View answer102. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the status of the draft review report pursuant to the terms the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, which was to be provided to him within six months; his plans to publish the draft review report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48951/22]
View answer114. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the interim report from the Independent Review Group into allegations of sexual harassment in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48967/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 96, 102 and 114 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces can carry out their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality. The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established last January by me, following Government approval, is examining the systems, policies and procedures for dealing with issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces.
This Review is well underway and is a necessary and critical first step to address the need for a safe work environment for serving members with zero-tolerance for such unacceptable behaviour. The serving members of the Defence Forces expect nothing less.
I wish to add that the work of the Independent Review Group is entirely independent in keeping with the Terms of Reference. The Group have full independence and autonomy to undertake its body of work, under its Chair, Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Terms of Reference provide that it is open to the Review Group to conduct its business through oral and/or written engagement on a group basis and/or individual basis. The Review will include the receipt of the views and experiences from both current and former Defence Forces personnel of workplace incidents of unacceptable behaviour. I wish to underline that the sharing of such views and experiences by interviewees is entirely voluntary and treated in confidence.
I have received six updates from the Independent Review Group including when they asked for a 4th member to assist in completing their work. This request was approved. In line also with the Terms of the Review, I have also been briefed via an Interim Report and at the request of the Group, this will not be published, as its work is not complete.
I wish to add that the Terms of Reference for the Review are wide-ranging and provide that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Independent Review findings. I’m eager to have this work concluded. The final report which is to be presented to me at the end of the year, will be brought to Government, before being published.
