Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for giving me an opportunity to update the House on this issue. I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality. As the Deputy is aware, there was extensive engagement with the Women of Honour group and other stakeholders on the establishment of an independent review to examine issues relating to unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces. Without question, the engagements raised very serious concerns and I wish to pay tribute to all parties, including Women of Honour, for the courage they displayed in sharing their experiences.

The experiences shared and the views received from all parties informed the terms of reference for the judge-led independent review, which was approved by the Government on 25 January last. I can confirm that the work of the independent review group is well under way. I had a very fruitful meeting with the members, namely, Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, Ms Jane Williams and Mr. Mark Connaughton, on 25 April last and plan to meet them again in the coming weeks.

In line with the terms of reference, a total of four monthly reports have been submitted to me on the group's progress and an interim report is to be submitted to me by the end of July. A final report will be presented by the end of the year, which will be brought to Government before being published. This review is a necessary and critical step to fulfilling my duty of care obligation to the men and women of the Defence Forces to provide a safe work environment. The serving members of the Defence Forces expect nothing less. This review will help us in that endeavour.

I would continue to strongly encourage all stakeholders, including the Women of Honour group and serving members who have not yet done so, to engage with the independent review group as their contribution will be critically important in taking this work forward. The independent review group is continuing to accept submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its terms of reference. The Government recognises the need to allow the independent review group to do its work as a critical and necessary step. These assurances have been relayed to the Women of Honour group.

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