Barry Cowen
Ceist:91. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the work of the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28297/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 June 2023
Ceisteanna (91)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government agreed to establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces, on a non-statutory basis initially, in line with one of the thirteen recommendations of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces published on March 28th.
The Government moved quickly to establish the Body, making the following appointments on April 5th
• Professor Brian MacCraith as the Independent Chair
• Ms. Josephine Feehily
• Ms. Patricia King
• Ms. Julie Sinnamon
• Mr. Aongus Hegarty
• Ms. Jacqui McCrum in her capacity as Secretary General of the Department of Defence
In addition, on May 16th, and with the agreement of Government, Ms. Sam des Forges was also appointed to the External Oversight Body.
These appointments are fully in line with the IRG Report.
The immediate establishment of the External Oversight Body is a critical element to driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and increasing transparency and accountability.
The calibre and combined skills and experience of each member gives me every confidence that this will happen.
The first task I set the Body was to develop detailed Terms of Reference in line with the recommendations of the Report for my approval.
The Body met for the first time on April 17th and has met on a number of occasions subsequently.
The first task of Body is to submit detailed Terms of Reference for my approval. Once approved the Terms of Reference will be published, and this is expected shortly.
While the Body has been established on non-statutory basis, it is my firm intention to introduce legislation to put it on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 89.