Thomas Gould
Ceist:38. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the status of discussions with a group (details supplied). [13410/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (38)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department and I have engaged extensively in recent months with the Women of Honour Group and with other stakeholders, including both serving and former members of the Defence Forces, the Representative Associations, PDFORRA, RACO and RDFRA and with a second group representing former members, the Men and Women of Honour Group, on the establishment of an Independent Review to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the workplace culture.
The most recent engagement with stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group, took place on Tuesday 25 January last, where I provided an update to stakeholders on the Government decision to proceed with the Independent Review. This was the seventh meeting at senior level that has been held with the Women of Honour Group since last September, three of which I personally attended.
Current and former members of the Defence Forces have welcomed the Review and whilst I acknowledge the disappointment expressed by the Women of Honour group, who have been seeking a Tribunal of Inquiry, I am strongly aware that the current systems, policies and procesures as well as the pervading workplace culture, have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
There is a critical need therefore, for immediate action to ensure that serving members of the Defence Forces can undertake their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality and where there is a zero-tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.
The Independent Review Group, which has commenced its work under the Chair of Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, has been tasked to provide me with an interim report within 6 months and a final report within 12 months, which I will be bringing to Government.
Since the establishment of the Review Group, I understand that some stakeholders, including the Women of Honour Group, and the Men and Women of Honour Group have also met with the Taoiseach and President.
I wish to reassure the Deputy that the information provided from former members, including Women of Honour, regarding incidents of a historical nature together with information from current serving members have been taken very seriously and are not being ignored. Both the Taoiseach and I have confirmed that we are not ruling out a further body of work in the future, but recognise the need to allow the Independent Review Group to do its work as a critical and necessary first step.
The Terms of Reference which are published on gov.ie website provide that submissions can be made to the Review Group and that both serving and former members of the Defence Forces can engage with the Group and share their experiences. I sincerely hope that all stakeholders and serving members will engage with the Independent Review Group, as their contribution will be critically important in taking this work forward.
Question No. 39 answered with Question No. 8.