Tribunals of Inquiry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Questions (152)

Seán Canney

Question:

152. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will consider changing the nature of the inquiry into the Defence Forces to establish a tribunal of inquiry as opposed to a private commission of inquiry and amend the terms of reference so that the inquiry will have the necessary buy-in from important stakeholders and victims' representative bodies and not be an exercise in self-investigation by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35628/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The Government approved on 11th July 2023, the establishment of a Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.

I am considering feedback received from a number of stakeholders in relation to the terms of reference for the Inquiry. I will revert to Government in the Autumn, seeking approval for the terms of reference and the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.