Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Women of Honour came forward to share personal and harrowing stories of sexual harassment, violence and bullying within the Defence Forces. I commend their courage. As the Taoiseach will know, the women have been very clear in their call for an independent investigative statutory process to look at these very serious allegations.

Despite this, the Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney, insists that only a review will take place. The women have rejected this as a paper exercise. Women of Honour will meet with the Minister for Defence again this afternoon. Will the Minister finally listen to the women and put in place the thorough, independent investigation they are seeking? If he refuses to do that, will the Taoiseach intervene to make sure this happens?

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