Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

May I have a minute and I will forsake any further contribution as I suspect we will not have time for it? I have the advantage of having read the written reply. My question is about the status of the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies and procedures for dealing with bullying etc. in the Defence Forces. The review was announced on 25 January, when the three-person membership was also set out. The terms of reference state that a work plan is to be produced within 30 days of the appointment of the group. Has that plan been produced? How many times has the group met? Has there been a monthly report? The Minister's reply states that he received an initial report confirming that work within the agreed terms of reference is under way. That is too vague given the seriousness of this and the fact that the Women of Honour are not participating.

We need to restore trust. A work plan was to be produced within a month. Has it been produced? Have there been any monthly reports to date or anything else specifically under the terms of reference?

See this speech in context