Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
22. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his response to criticisms of the draft terms of references for a statutory inquiry into abuse within the Defence Forces; if he will amend the draft terms of reference; and if he will engage with stakeholders such as the Women of Honour group before doing so. [22815/23]
View answer36. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his response to the concerns expressed by the Women on Honour group that the terms of reference for the statutory inquiry recommended by the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces are too restricted and narrow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22848/23]
View answer42. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the establishment of the statutory inquiry recommended by the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22627/23]
View answer52. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the promised statutory inquiry to identify systemic failures in the Defence Forces complaints system, including in relation to sexual misconduct; the timeline for the statutory inquiry; the terms of reference of the statutory inquiry; the person or body that tasked with carrying out the statutory inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22850/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 36, 42 and 52 together.
While acknowledging the high regard in which the Defence Forces is held and the many honest hardworking individuals amongst the ranks, one cannot but be disturbed and upset by the contents in the Report of the Independent Review Group. It is stark and shocking and goes to the very heart of issues relating to dignity, mutual respect and equality issues in the Defence Forces.
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.
The Government agreed to progress, as a priority, the report’s recommendations including the establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with individual complaints in relation to interpersonal issues, including but not limited to sexual misconduct.
I have consulted with the Attorney General in respect of the establishment of the Statutory Inquiry. The Attorney General has assisted in the preparation of the draft terms of reference for the Inquiry.
I had a number of meetings with key stakeholders on 2 May last, including the Defence Womens 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 requested the groups to provide feedback in writing to me so that their observations can be considered in preparing the terms of reference. There will be further engagement and consultation with stakeholders on the nature of the Inquiry and the proposed terms of reference.
