Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue has been much discussed here in the last few months, and rightly so. It is an ongoing matter. As I told Deputy Chambers, I met two of the recipients who brought up a range of concerns to me. The respectful treatment of these whistleblowers is something that I have prioritised in the Department. The reviewer has given me a copy of the report which I have in turn passed on to the Defence Forces. I also took legal advice on this report and then sent it on to those who made the protected disclosures. I now await the reviewer's feedback before considering my next move.

The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are my absolute priority and I have ensured that protected disclosures alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances were investigated by an independent third party. It is only fair that we ask an independent party to come on in this and that we give the terms of reference. I specifically looked to have these terms of reference as broad as possible so that the independent reviewer could do his work without being limited in any way.

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