Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak to this very important motion that has been brought forward by my colleague, Deputy Sorca Clarke. We have all been horrified by the stories told in Ms Katie Hannon's RTÉ documentary from last September, which laid bare the horrific abuse, harassment and discrimination experienced by some female members of the Defence Forces. At that time, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, gave assurances that those affected would have input into the terms of reference of any investigation taking place, saying the matter was a priority for him. He met the women, who told him they wanted an independent investigation into the problems with the complaints procedures as well as the addressing of the cultural actions after a complaint is made, including prolonged harassment and bullying. Instead the Minister reneged on his earlier commitment and announced an internal review rather than a statutory inquiry.

That internal review had terms of reference that were not agreed by the affected women. There would be no compellability under the review and no criticism, blame or factual or legal findings. It was just an internal review of the process. Quite frankly, this is very offensive, showing contempt for the women who have experienced abuse and harassment and who have bravely spoken publicly about those dreadful experiences. These women rightly feel let down and that they have been sidelined. It is a complete failure by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to understand the seriousness of the allegations. It does nothing to address the root problems and it will not address what happens after a complaint is made, where the complainants are harassed, bullied and victimised.

The Minister must go back to the drawing board and establish a full statutory inquiry into these allegations, including what happens after a complaint is made. He must engage with the women affected and other stakeholders to ensure the terms of reference are fit for purpose. If the Government is serious about how women in society are treated, this must be fixed. We need a Government that will ensure zero tolerance of workplace bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence. We have had enough talk about it and now we need to see action.

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