Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
162. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the promised legislation to establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42556/23]
View answer163. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the work of the non-statutory External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces; if he has received any reports from the body to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42557/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations in the Report and this included the immediate establishment, on a non-statutory basis initially, of the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces. This Body, chaired by Professor Brían MacCraith, is a critical element to driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and to increase transparency and accountability. The Government approved the Terms of Reference for the Body on 11 July last and it is my intention to bring forward legislation to put the Body on a statutory footing as soon as possible. Work in this regard is underway in my Department. It is also expected that the External Oversight Body will submit its first Report to me shortly.
