Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication of the report of the independent review group into the Defence Forces. I am grateful for the opportunity to examine its findings. This watershed report makes for stark reading and raises the most profound issues in our Defence Forces. While the report correctly acknowledges the high regard in which the Defence Forces are held, as has been acknowledged throughout this afternoon, it nonetheless signals the critical need for fundamental and immediate cultural change, which goes to the very heart of issues relating to dignity and mutual respect. Bullying, misogynistic behaviour, assault and sexual misconduct are simply unacceptable.

Established at the beginning of last year to examine the issues I just raised, a litany of serious allegations were made. I compliment the chairperson and her team who have performed a vital service. In welcoming them to the Gallery this afternoon, I pay tribute to the Women of Honour, and men and women of honour, who have done so much to raise awareness of these issues. They formed a battalion of bravery. I also single out RTÉ’s Katie Hannon for her efforts in bring this issue to public prominence in September 2021. I also acknowledge Senator Clonan, a former member of the Defence Forces, who raised similar concerns in the past. It is regrettable that it took so long for the truth to come to the fore.

I welcome confirmation from the Tánaiste that there will be a full independent inquiry into the issues raised. This is clearly necessary. I also welcome the Tánaiste’s commitment, as Minister for Defence, that he will be moving to progress a comprehensive programme of immediate actions to address the extremely serious shortcomings identified in the report. The Tánaiste has clearly listened to the Women of Honour, and others in the Defence Forces. He believes them and I welcome his actions to date.

The Defence Forces were officially established almost 100 years ago in 1924. Of course, they can trace their history back further, to the Irish Volunteers founded in 1913. They were involved in the Easter Rising and the War of Independence. Generations of members of the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, and Reserve Defence Force have served with distinction at home and abroad. Some made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We are proud of the men and women who serve our country and we are grateful for their service.

However, the independent review group has found there are significant systemic issues in our Defence Forces. It found there is a toxic culture relating to women, dignity and respect. Generations of people joined the Defence Forces, many from the same families. They joined in good faith to serve our country. It is not acceptable that they would be subjected to such a toxic culture. Just as military tactics and strategy evolve over time, these too must change to ensure they are fit for purpose. The toxic culture in our Defence Forces must also change. It is not acceptable. This is a watershed moment. I would like to think that we will see change quickly. There can be no going back from this point. I hope the senior leadership in the Defence Forces appreciates the necessity and urgency to change and implements that change urgently.

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