Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I am sure the Deputy will be aware, I am currently progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious issues identified in the independent review group report. As I said in my initial response to the report, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust. Most immediately, I obtained Government approval to establish the external oversight body, on a non-statutory basis initially, to drive the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and to increase transparency and accountability. The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct. I have been consulting with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment.

I am also keenly aware of the importance of consultation with all stakeholders as this transformation is taken forward. I met with the various groups on 27 March to advise them that I intended to bring the report to Government on 28 March. I had a further round of meetings on 2 May with the Defence Women's Network, the Defence Forces representative associations, the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group. In addition, the Secretary General of the Department of Defence met with the Irish Defence Forces veterans associations and with civil and civilian employee unions. At the meetings, a draft of proposed terms of reference for the forthcoming statutory inquiry were shared. I have requested the groups to provide feedback in writing to me so that their observations can be considered in preparing the terms of reference. Work has also commenced on legislative change required with an initial focus on amending the Defence Act 1954 to ensure all allegations of rape, aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State are referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation. This will confirm in legislation the policy instruction issued by the Chief of Staff in relation to such complaints.

I have consistently stated that any incident of sexual abuse, whether current or historic, should be reported immediately to An Garda Síochána and I welcome the recent announcement by the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, that dedicated resources have been put in place to investigate such criminal allegations. I have also committed to continuing the interim supports established in October 2021 for both current and serving members of the Defence Forces affected by such behaviour, including the confidential contact person, with Raiseaconcern.

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