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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I wish to confirm that the WRC recommendations on anti-discrimination law arising from a decision in December 2020, are currently being implemented by the military authorities with the support of my officials.

As the Deputy will be aware, the WRC adjudicator directed, in the first instance, that a comprehensive review of training and information materials, instructions and local practices be undertaken within the Defence Forces to ensure their compatibility with the protections pregnant personnel enjoy under anti-discrimination law, and more generally, to ensure that the basic provisions of Irish anti-discrimination legislation are clearly and accurately reflected.

Second, it directed that the Defence Forces roll out a training programme for all Defence Forces personnel with staff responsibilities to ensure they are appropriately aware of the updated materials. This training programme was to be completed by 31 December 2022. I understand that this piece of work is well advanced.

As a means of carrying out the first element of the direction and identifying a way forward, a Defence Forces working group was convened after the ruling, comprising membership from the human resources, HR, legal, training and education headquarter branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces formations. The group duly completed the review during the final quarter of 2021.

Since then, and with the assistance of an external legal firm with a strong record in employment law matters, extensive work has been undertaken by the military authorities over the past 12 months, with support from my officials in ensuring that all documentation, including training programmes, materials and associated documents for Defence Forces personnel, as well as the relevant Defence Force regulations are fully aligned, and compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and in line with the direction of the WRC direction.

An associated but very relevant and important element of this body of work has been in the area of maternity and protected leave policies, including in the context of safety, health and welfare, performance appraisals and appropriate training for interview boards in the context of promotion competitions. I understand this particular element of the exercise is nearing completion.

I am further advised that a number of policy documents, including regulatory amendments, are to be submitted to me for consideration and approval very shortly.

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