James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication of the report of the independent review group into the Defence Forces. It is very much a watershed report that a lot of people have waited for, for a very long time. It makes for very stark reading and raises very profound issues in how women were treated in the Defence Forces. Nonetheless, what the report sets out very clearly is a critical need for fundamental and immediate culture change within the Defence Forces to ensure that what happened in the past does not happen again. The report was established at the beginning of last year to examine the issues relating to the sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination that people faced arising form a series of very serious allegations. The chairperson and her team have performed a vital service and this report is very much welcomed.

We want to thank the Women of Honour, and the men and women of honour who have done a very great service in raising the very serious situation that has happened within the Defence Forces. Of course they should not have to be put into that position and they certainly should not have had to experience what they have. We also recognise, as has been said, what their families have experienced in having to support them and to witness what they have gone through. The Minister will progress a comprehensive programme as quickly as possible. It is a time for us all to reflect on what has happened and that what these people have suffered through their careers is unacceptable.

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