Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In November last year, I sought assurances directly from the Taoiseach in this Chamber to ensure there would be an independent statutory inquiry into the allegations raised by the Women of Honour group. The serious nature of these allegations deserves nothing less than such a statutory independent inquiry. That is why I feel it is of paramount importance that that is done and that we get to the bottom of these serious allegations.

This is an issue that I have pursued and I submitted parliamentary questions on it. I was informed that efforts to establish an independent review were at an "advanced stage" and that the issues would be examined as part of the report of the Commission on Defence Forces. It was only subsequent to that reply, however, that the Women of Honour campaign made clear to me that the independent review was proceeding without anyone having consulted and, indeed, without the victims, serving and retired, having been consulted. That makes no sense. We must ensure we have the voices of those women at the centre of this independent statutory inquiry.

That is what needs to happen. It makes no sense to move ahead with any sort of inquiry without consulting the parties concerned. The decision to do so was deeply regrettable, even if further meetings have taken place since then. We already have reports from the independent monitoring group, IMG, and from the external advisory committee on the Defence Forces. The women affected now need decisive action, firm Government commitments and, more importantly, accountability. I have submitted more parliamentary questions on this issue to the Taoiseach and to the Minister for Defence. Unfortunately, the responses will not be processed until this evening. I assure the Women of Honour group, however, that it has my full support for its campaign.

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