Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The report by the independent review group about the Defence Forces is disturbing. Much of the abuse and behaviour detailed throughout the report is not just horrific but criminal. Almost nine out of every ten women who responded to the review group reported that they had experienced sexual harassment. The report stated there was a discernible practice of rape and sexual assaults in numerous settings and locations. That this disgusting and hurtful abuse happened with impunity in the Defence Forces, whose members are charged with protecting the Irish people and the Irish State, makes it all the more shocking. The report's findings are a complete vindication of the Women of Honour group, who bravely came forward to protect other members of the Defence Forces from the abuse they endured. The report has been described as a watershed moment by the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, but it will only be a watershed moment if this shocking catalogue of misogyny, discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct is forever consigned to history. Women of Honour has sought a statutory inquiry. Will the Taoiseach confirm when that will happen?

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