Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
320. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will include allegations of child sexual abuse at military camps in the proposed inquiry into the allegations of sexual harassment and abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7406/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, following Cabinet approval on 25 January last, an Independent Review Group has been established, under the Chair of Ms. Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces.
The overall aims of the Independent Review are to: -
- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
- Provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
This Independent Review is seen as a critical and vital next step to ensure that the workplace for serving members of the Defence Forces is safe, where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour and where we learn from historical experiences.
In addition, the Review Group have been specifically asked to advise on whether further work is required to examine issues of an historical nature and to make any recommendations regarding how this might be pursued.
Any allegations of sexual abuse against children are extremely serious and should be reported to an Garda Síochána without delay.
Correspondence has been received by me on allegations of this nature. Senior Counsel has recently been appointed to conduct an independent assessment of the specific actions taken by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces on foot of correspondence it has received related to this matter.
