Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
76. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on efforts to improve gender diversity and equality within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4093/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities. The equality and diversity policy objectives as detailed in the White Paper on Defence, which includes explicit commitment to the principles of equal opportunity in all employment policies, procedures and regulations and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation, remain a priority for the Defence Forces.
The Defence Forces recognise the need to ensure that the societal changes being witnessed in Ireland would also be reflected in the Defence organisation. In 2016, the Defence Forces current Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan was launched and detailed the Defence Forces approach to diversity and inclusion across the various strands of the organisation’s activities, including recruitment.
In line with current policies and commitments a number of initiatives have been implemented with a view to increase the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force.
For example:
- Special consideration is paid to women as a target group for recruitment within the general recruitment framework, including a Female Recruitment Standing Committee reporting on initiatives for 2022, with dedicated female recruitment teams proposed.
- The Defence Forces actively engage with schools to conduct career talks and regularly attend events aimed at future career choices for schools. Each of these events is attended by both male and females serving members.
- A Gender Equality and Diversity Officer has been in place for a number of years to promote gender equality policies and training within the Defence Forces. Gender Advisors are available to all Brigades and Services and trained Gender Focal Points are deployed with all overseas units and ships in order to promote a gender perspective in operations.
- A Defence Forces Women's Network was established with the aim of increasing the participation of female personnel at all levels of the organisation.
In addition, a review of recruitment practices and processes in the PDF, tasked under the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, has additionally examined all aspects of the recruitment process, including diversity, as part of its work.
The Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces contains a number of recommendations relating in particular to gender and diversity and these will be captured in a Implementation Plan which is currently being finalised. A number of early actions to addressed gender and diversity have been identified and are being progressed.
It is clear from the experiences shared in recent years by former and serving female members however, that despite the reforms that have taken place over the past 20 years and ongoing initiatives, further work is required to ensure that the workplace culture is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces. I am fully aware that the systems, policies and procedures in place to deal with dignity and equality issues have not, and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established on 25 January 2022 by my colleague former Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, following Government approval, has been examining those very systems, policies and procedures for dealing with issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces as well as the prevailing workplace culture. Their work is nearing conclusion and the Final Report expected later next week.
As I have said before, I will be considering the Report in full, in consultation with the Attorney General, before bringing it to Government and its publication. I have no doubt that this Report will provide recommendations which will be essential for ensuring a workplace culture underpinned by gender equality and where equal opportunities are the order of the day. While I do not want to pre-empt what will be in the Final Report, I do intend to ensure that all the recommendations are fulfilled.
