Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing efforts continue to eliminate sexual harassment and bullying throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23252/23]
View answer221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which incidents of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces have been fully investigated and appropriate action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23254/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 221 together.
My previous statements to the House have acknowledged that the conclusions in the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces are both stark and shocking. The Report, which was accepted by Government, makes for uncomfortable reading and goes to the very heart of dignity, mutual respect and workplace culture.
While there are policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with allegations and complaints of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, it is clear from the conclusions of the IRG that significant change is required to ensure that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment with a culture of zero-tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse.
As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious issues identified in the IRG report.As I said in my initial response to the Report, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust and the Government has agreed to progress the thirteen recommendations in the Report.Most immediately, I obtained Government approval to establish the External Oversight Body, on a non-statutory basis initially, to drive the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and to increase transparency and accountability. The Deputy will have heard my update on that earlier. The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a Statutory Inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct. It is important that the momentum and impact of the IRG Report is built upon quickly. Accordingly, I have been consulting with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment.I am also keenly aware of the importance of consultation with all stakeholders, as this transformation is taken forward.I had a number of meetings with key stakeholders on 2 May last, including the Defence Women's Network, the Defence Forces Representative Associations, the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group. In addition, the Secretary General, Department of Defence met with the Defence Forces Veteran Associations and with Civil and Civilian Employee Unions. At the meetings, a draft of proposed terms of reference for the forthcoming Statutory Inquiry were shared. I have requested the groups to provide feedback in writing to me so that their observations can be considered in preparing the terms of reference. I am fully prepared to participate in further engagements and consultation with stakeholders on the nature of the Inquiry and the proposed terms of reference. Other actions to be implemented include the preparation of legislation to take forward additional recommendations, firstly to establish an independent complaints mechanism for serving members of the Defence Forces; secondly to establish the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis; and finally to amend the Defence Act, 1954 to ensure all allegations of rape, or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State to be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.A significant programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces through the appointment of external experts will also be progressed. I have consistently stated that any incident of sexual abuse, whether current or historic, should be reported immediately to An Garda Síochána and I welcome the recent announcement by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that dedicated resources have been put in place to investigate such criminal allegations. I have also committed to continuing the interim supports established in October 2021 for both current and serving members of the Defence Forces affected by such behaviour, including the Confidential Contact Person, with Raiseaconcern.
In addition, the INSPIRE confidential helpline, which is available on a 24/7 basis for all serving members of the Defence Forces, will also continue to be available to anyone who has contacted the Confidential Contact Person.
Finally, 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.
