Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
145. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence whether he will support the desire of the Oversight Group to exercise maximum independence and authority in all its business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13860/24]
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 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the 13 recommendations contained in the Report.
One of the first actions taken in this regard following publication of the report was the establishment of an External Oversight Body, initially on a non-statutory basis, and its Terms of Reference were approved on 12 July 2023.
The role of the External Oversight Body, which is chaired by Professor Brían MacCraith and comprises six other members, is to oversee the implementation of relevant recommendations made in the IRG Report, to increase transparency and accountability in the Defence Forces and to bring about necessary changes to the workplace culture and behaviour in the Defence Forces. To date, the External Oversight Body has met on 21 occasions and last November I received the Body's first written report while I have also met with Professor MacCraith on a number of occasions.
Last December, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Defence Amendment Bill 2023, which includes provision for the establishment of the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis. As such, it is intended that the External Oversight Body will have all the powers typically held by a statutory body. The draft legislation has recently been the subject of Pre-legislative Scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.
Following publication of the General Scheme, the views of the External Oversight Body have been sought in relation to the draft legislation and these have been carefully considered in the context of finalising the draft Bill. In this regard, it is my intention that the Bill will provide that the Body shall have the power to initiate a review, and to make such recommendations as it deems appropriate, on any matter related to its functions. Moreover, in relation to independence, in line with the published General Scheme, the draft Bill will also expressly provide that the External Oversight Body shall be independent in the performance of its functions.
The work of the External Oversight Body is future focused and is a key driver in the implementation of the necessary cultural transformation throughout the Defence Forces, including addressing issues relating to dignity at work. A significant programme of reform and culture change is being prioritised to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, is reflective of contemporary Irish society and provides a safe workplace. The External Oversight Body has a crucial role in overseeing and monitoring implementation of this transformation by the Defence Forces and in advising the Minister for Defence on progress.
