Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
469. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces disciplined for misconduct of a sexual nature in each of the years 2000 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54199/22]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that offences relating to misconduct of a sexual nature are categorised as 'non-scheduled' in accordance with Part V of the Defence Act 1954 and are tried by Court Martial. During the period 2000 to 2021 and to date in 2022, Court Martials found charges proven in six (6) instances.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality and by a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
Over the last twenty years since the 2002 publication of the External Advisory Group on the Defence Forces and the three subsequent reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a number of reforms have been implemented for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, which are contained in policy documents and in Defence Force Regulation.
The Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan additionally aims to ensure that a transparent culture exists, that encourages personnel to report inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
Despite these reforms however, it is clear from the experiences shared by both current and former members of the Defence Forces that further work is needed and I acknowledge that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
The work of the Judge-led Independent Review Group (IRG), established by me on 25 January last, following Government approval, is examining issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture, in the Defence Forces.
This Independent Review is a necessary and critical step to fulfil my duty of care obligation to the men and women of the Defence Forces, to provide a safe work environment. The serving members of the Defence Forces, expect nothing less.
The final report which is to be presented to me at the end of the year, will be brought to Government, before being published.
