Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened carefully to the debate and must say that I am appalled at the disgraceful disclosures. I am appalled that these incidents ever happened at all and that it has taken so many years to deal with them. That teaches all of us to be more alert to things that are brought to our attention when people complain about bullying, controlling behaviour or abuse in any shape or form. There is a need to deal with such complaints resolutely and quickly because the longer that behaviour is allowed to go on, the greater the chances that it will continue unabated.

I compliment the Tánaiste for resolutely dealing with this matter now. I hope there will be a statutory inquiry that entails everything that is required. Independence is the most important thing. Nobody who had any influence in allowing the situation to continue over a number of years should have any influence in the inquiry. That is a crucial element of inquiries, as we know from experience.

People are rightly appalled. We should recognise that it is not the only institution of the State where abuses, bullying, intimidation and controlling behaviour take place on a regular basis. There are many such institutions, as we know. We are gradually coming to deal with them. If we do not deal resolutely with these issues and do not examine the statements that are brought to our attention by whomsoever it may be, we will be failing in our duties to do the jobs we have to do.

I compliment the Women of Honour and all associated with the campaign, including our colleague in the other House, Senator Clonan, for bringing this matter to the attention of the public. Sadly, the Senator had to wait a long time for the appropriate action to take place.

We should be proud of our Defence Forces. They fulfil an important role. High standards have to apply. I compliment them for all the work they have done over the years at home and abroad, and for the way they have risked and given their lives in the good cause of defending their own country or another country. Having visited Defence Forces personnel at many locations over many years, I have to say we owe them a great debt.

It is appropriate that anything untoward happening behind closed doors should be brought to public attention and dealt with as resolutely as befits the situation.

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