Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
180. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence with regard to the work of the independent review group, what is to happen to the transcripts of submission made to the independent review group report on the Defence Forces by the victims and survivors of abuse, bullying and wrongdoing; if he will ensure these transcripts are carefully maintained and not destroyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDocuments held by the Independent Review Group (IRG), which were generated as part of the body of work undertaken since its establishment on 25 January 2022, in line with the Terms of Reference, will be returned to my custody, as Minister for Defence, in compliance with the National Archives Act, 1986 (as amended).
I can assure the Deputy that the appropriate safeguards will be put in place by the IRG to make certain that any documents which contain sensitive or confidential material, that were provided to the Group in circumstances of confidentiality, including transcripts of submissions made to the Group, will remain private and confidential. The Chair of the IRG has initiated the appropriate steps in this regard before the documents are deposited.
The identity of the brave members of the Defence Forces who shared their experiences with the IRG will not be compromised in any way. Whilst the documents will remain in my possession, until such time as they are sent to the National Archives, the documents will not be accessible to any individual/official or any person, unless directed by a court order.
