Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
216. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the various mechanisms by which his Department is working to reach agreement with the Women of Honour on all outstanding issues; the number and grade of staff allotted to this task; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35230/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations in the Report. This included approval in principle for the establishment of a Judge-led statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces, in relation to interpersonal issues including, but not limited to sexual misconduct.
I had meetings with a number of key stakeholders in early May, including with the Women of Honour and their legal representatives, where draft terms of reference for the Statutory Inquiry were shared. I requested that the groups provide feedback in writing to me, so that their observations could be considered in preparing the terms of reference. The draft terms of reference were also shared with a number of interested parties who contacted my office.
The Taoiseach and I met with the Women of Honour on 12th June 2023, to discuss the Government’s commitment to move ahead with progressing the recommendations of the IRG Report.
I had a further meeting with the Women of Honour and their legal representatives on 14th June 2023, as part of a further round of engagements with a number of stakeholders, including the Defence Forces Representative Associations, the Defence Forces Veterans Associations and and the Men and Women of Honour Group. The Secretary General, Department of Defence met with Civil Service and Civilian Trade Unions. The focus of these meetings was to listen and discuss views on the draft Terms of Reference for the Inquiry. I met the Women of Honour and their legal representatives again on 6th July 2023.
There are no staff specifically allotted to matters relating to issues raised by the Women of Honour. Staff in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, across a number of Branches and Units, are progressing the recommendations in the IRG Report. The views of all stakeholders are very important and we have listened very carefully to their observations and concerns.
The Government approved on 11th July 2023, the establishment of a Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces and to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
The Government also approved the text of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, amending Defence Act 1954, in line with the IRG Report. The amendments will ensure that An Garda Síochána will have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law. Any subsequent cases will be dealt with by the civil courts.
The terms of reference of the External Oversight Body, which was created as per the recommendations of the IRG report, were also approved by Government this week.
Work is currently underway on the terms of reference for the Tribunal of Inquiry. I am considering feedback from a number of stakeholders. I will revert to Government in the Autumn, seeking approval for terms of reference and the appointment of a Judge to Chair the Tribunal.
