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

There is a lot happening in this space. Last October, I introduced a number of interim support measures for both serving and former members of the Defence Forces impacted by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. I appointed a confidential contact person, CCP, within an external independent company, Raiseaconcern, to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces. The CCP provides a safe place to support the reporting of wrongdoing in the workplace. The CCP is independent and is outside of the Defence Forces chain of command and their role is to listen to individuals and to assist them.

The Inspire confidential helpline was also set up and is available 24-7 for all serving members of the Defence Forces, and it is also being made available to anyone who has contacted the confidential contact person. There is a lot going on. I felt I needed to act in terms of interim measures and to work with the Chief of Staff and with the Secretary General in the Department.

Ultimately, we have recommendations from the commission which have to be implemented and we have a specific independent review, led by a judge, that will make an interim report in the next few weeks and will make a full and final report at the end of the year. Yes, there is a lot going on, but it is all funnelling work in the same direction, which is to change culture in the Defence Forces and to make them a safer and more attractive place to work.

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