Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Bacik for raising this important issue, which is being discussed across the country today. The report of the independent review group is shocking. It will shock anyone who reads its. Issues with bullying and harassment in the Defence Forces, some of a sexual nature, has been reported on before but never so starkly. It is clear that attempts made to change things - and attempts have been made - have failed. Unlike many other issues we have dealt with in this House, this is not historic. It is ongoing and appears to be wide scale. I join with Deputy Bacik in paying tribute to the Women of Honour, the men and women of honour, Katie Hannon of RTÉ, Senator Clonan and many others who have shone a light on all of this. I also record my thanks to Ms Justice O'Hanlon and her team for their thorough and timely work.

The Defence Forces have been entrusted with the defence of our State since its foundation. The Irish women and men of the Defence Forces are loyal to the flag and to the uniform and are willing to defend the State and bring peace to remote corners of the world. They deserve our support and respect and they have it but they also need to respect each other, particularly women, young people and those at a lower rank than themselves. The vast majority of our soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen have not engaged in these awful practices. There should be no stain on their character or reputation. The same applies to the tens of thousands of veterans and former servicepeople.

Nonetheless, in this report, we read of bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, including sexual violence. We read that, when victims sought help under the internal complaints system, they were left disappointed and were often penalised. Many good soldiers left as a result. We see an organisation that is in critical need of fundamental and immediate cultural and behavioural change that goes to the very heart of issues relating to dignity, mutual respect and duty of care. The Government will bring about the change necessary to ensure the dignity and integrity of women and men in our Defence Forces is safeguarded at all times. The House has my assurance, that of the Tánaiste and that of the Government that we will prioritise this issue. As Deputy Bacik correctly said, we have agreed to a judge-led statutory inquiry as to how complaints and interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct, were handled. We are keen to have that up and running as soon as possible but it is important to get it right and to have the engagement of the Women of Honour and the men and women of honour, serving and former personnel of the Defence Forces. It is important that we get it right and that we get the format right. There are a number of different options in that regard. The Tánaiste is very keen to engage with stakeholders before drawing up the terms of reference and putting them before the House.

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