Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
146. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the Independent Review Group report into the Women of Honour allegations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6248/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Judge-led Independent Review Group, established on 25 January 2022 by Government, has been examining the current 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.
Despite the reforms that have taken place in the Defence Forces over the past 20 years with regard to dignity and equality matters, it is clear from the experiences shared by both current and former members of the Defence Forces, including the Women of Honour Group, that the culture that is pervading, and the application of policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
Last year, in my role as Taoiseach, I met with both the Women of Honour, and Men and Women of Honour Groups, and I was very taken by the incredible courage they displayed in sharing their experiences of unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces.
The Terms of Reference for the Review were wide-ranging and provided that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Independent Review findings, including with regard to matters of a historical nature and how this might best be pursued.
I wish to underline that the Independent Review Group has been entirely independent in carrying out its body of work over the past 12 months.
The Chair of the Independent Review Group, Ms. Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, submitted the Final Report to me last Thursday. I am now considering the Report in full, in consultation with the Attorney General. Thereafter, I will be bringing the Report to Government for consideration and assessment, and subsequent publication thereafter.
