Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to state at the outset that I am fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake duties in a safe environment, underpinned by dignity and equality and by a culture of zero tolerance for any kind of bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual abuse. That is an absolute priority.

Last year, in my role as Taoiseach, I met with both groups, Women of Honour and Men and Women of Honour, and I was very taken by the incredible courage they displayed in sharing their experiences of unacceptable behaviour in the Defence Forces. From extensive engagements with serving and former members of the Defence Forces, it has also been very clear that there is a critical and immediate need to address the prevailing work culture, including issues relating to the current systems, policies and procedures for dealing with such behaviour in the Defence Forces.

The judge-led independent review group, established on 25 January last year by the Government, has been examining those very systems, policies and procedures for dealing with issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces, as well as the prevailing workplace culture. The primary objective of all concerned at the outset, therefore, has been to acknowledge issues in the current workplace and to establish a course of action that would address that. The independent review group has undertaken this work in the past 12 months, while also examining matters of a historical nature. I am aware that many stakeholders, including serving members, have lent their support to the independent review group.

Both I and the former Minister for Defence have at all times been clear that we would await the assessment from this report, including with regard to historical matters. It is imperative that the current workplace culture is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces. I am fully confident that this report will help us do that while also advising on historical matters. I understand the group is nearing the conclusion of the report and it will be submitted to me later this week. I will consider this report in full in consultation with the Attorney General. I assure the Deputy that I will bring the report to the Government for its consideration and subsequent publication. I have not yet seen the report and therefore do not intend to pre-empt its conclusions or recommendations, but I will revert to the House on these very important matters in due course.

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