Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
71. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason Defence Forces personnel were ordered to change into and-or out of clothing at an unsuitable location (details supplied); the dignity at work policy for members of the Defence Forces; the date on which it was rolled out, implemented and last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32868/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra84. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to carry out an investigation as to the reason a recent incident occurred in which Naval Service personnel were changing for a national commemoration event on the side of a road and in a minibus (details supplied) occurred; the steps he will take to ensure this does not reoccur in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33781/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra87. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Defence Force members that participated in the National Day of Commemoration on 14 July 2019 received a duty allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33819/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 84 and 87 together.
The National Day of Commemoration took place in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin on Sunday 14 July 2019. This event is a highlight in the Defence Forces ceremonial calendar and one which the Defence Forces take great pride in performing to the highest standards. This year’s event saw personnel from the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps perform with distinction on behalf of the State.
All state ceremonial occasions involve pre-event coordination conferences and Defence Forces rehearsals with participating formations and/or units. Logistical arrangements including the Defence Forces participation and arrangements are discussed and clarified at these conferences.
As part of an After Action Review of this year’s event, the Defence Forces will examine the arrangements for each of the participating elements, in order to ensure that all arrangements in this area are fully addressed for future events.
The Defence Forces Equality Diversity and Equal Status Policies were introduced in 2007 and were rewritten in 2013 and they comprise policies and charters including the Defence Forces Dignity Charter. There have been extensive additions and updates to these policies in relation to Equality, Diversity and Equal Status in line with legislation and good practice and they remain under constant review.
Defence Force personnel partaking in the National Day of Commemoration do so as a normal duty and would not be in receipt of an additional allowance.
