Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy regarding the major cultural change and I appreciate his acknowledgement of the progress made.

A total of 40 recommendations arise from the 2008 report and, with regard to his question on the timescale, a new report will be made at the end of 2013. I take his point about the difference between the barracks setting and the field setting. There has been controversy about this, which resulted in some communication. The IMG made a number of recommendations to deal with this, which include: new systems aimed at ensuring new entrants understand what constitutes inappropriate behaviour; systems to ensure appropriate and targeted corrective actions are developed and implemented in order that the necessary robust training is completed in an effective manner; and instructors are to be given ongoing support and information to ensure they are sufficiently confident in their knowledge to deal with incidents on the spot. This point has been well made. The IMG has taken it into account and made recommendations to deal with it.

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