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

Deputy Troy raised the issue of the Women of Honour group. I intend to meet with those groups, prior to and after publication of the report. I received the report last month. I sent it to the Attorney General and I will be bringing it to Government very shortly. I hear conflicting reviews as to when it should be published. We cannot wait until after the recess either for publication. This will not be resolved in one day either.

What I envisage is that I will make a statement to the House upon publication of the report. When the report is presented, we have to examine the report, we have to go the Attorney General and we have to respond from a Government perspective to the recommendations by identifying and formulating a response that can be presented both to the groups and to the Dáil in particular.

This report affects every member of the Defence Forces. The words "culture" and "dignity" are not sweet words. I take very sincerely the points that have been made by Deputy Connolly. The words "culture" and "dignity" go to the very heart of this. This report is very far-reaching and goes to the core of much that was wrong in terms of workplace dignity and safety and in terms of behaviour. It is comprehensive. A very significant range of recommendations are being made coming out of that report. I do not intend to publish it without having a position, at least, on those recommendations, which I think is a valid position to have. I want to share it with Deputies and, as I publish it, I want to facilitate debate or at least an initial response. I am open to what Members feel is the most appropriate way in the first instance. I believe we should publish it as soon as possible. We intend to go to the Government very shortly on this. I want to make absolutely sure in the next number of days that we have everything ready and that we engage. I am engaging with the Chief of Staff and military management in terms of how we intend to act on the recommendations.

My Department will also be initiating contact prior to any publication to meet with those groups who were fundamental in bringing these issues to the fore. I would also say that it really impacts on everybody within the Defence Forces, present and past. That is how I intend to approach it. I will engage with the Opposition spokesmen on this. I think Deputy Clarke is suggesting we wait another three weeks.

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