Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 146 together.

I was pleased to launch the second report of the Independent Monitoring Group, IMG, on 17 December last. I would like to especially thank Dr. Doyle, the members of the IMG and all the other parties, both within and beyond the Defence Forces, who contributed to the completion of this comprehensive and timely report. The IMG was established in May 2002 by the then Minister for Defence to oversee the implementation of recommendations arising from the Doyle report, the Challenge of a Workplace. The first report of the IMG, Response to the Challenge of a Workplace, was presented in September 2004.

The 2004 recommendations placed emphasis on improving human resource management and workplace culture, including dealing with the issues of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Four years later, the second report of the IMG provided a systematic review of progress. The 2008 report highlights the initiatives undertaken by the Defence Forces in the area of human resource management and workplace culture since 2004. The report confirms that the culture of the Defence Forces organisation is evolving positively and notes that the recorded number of incidents of unacceptable behaviour is low.

In 2008, the IMG reported a high level of awareness among military personnel of the centrality and challenges of human dignity in the mission and culture of the Defence Forces. This was particularly evident in the focus group research at home and overseas. The group reported that the message had percolated that bullying or harassment is not tolerated in the Defence Forces. It commented that the contrast between the readiness of personnel to discuss the issue of unacceptable workplace behaviour four years ago and in 2008 was very marked and concluded that leadership at all levels has communicated the message and heightened awareness. Culture change is not a destination, but rather a journey where every member of the Defence Forces has a role to play. It must be ensured this crucial issue is kept to the forefront in the activities and procedures of the Defence Forces. I am committed to regularly reviewing progress and performance and this is reflected in the programme for Government.

The report includes many recommendations to chart the way ahead in continuing to meet the demands for dignity and equality in the military workplace. It contains in excess of 40 specific recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations will require the concerted and combined effort of both the military and the Department. I look forward to being kept informed of progress in this regard. I am satisfied the Defence Forces are on the right path and they are to be commended for the major progress achieved to date. I am confident this process will be carried forward with enthusiasm and will be further advanced and consolidated in the coming years.

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