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

I know we all unequivocally condemn the abuses described in that report. It revealed a toxic environment which is unsafe for both women and men. The extreme malpractices were systematic and facilitated by senior offices, while predators acted with impunity. The report found "the Defence Forces is unable (or unwilling) to make the changes that are needed". The Tánaiste mentioned the new external oversight body to drive cultural change in the Defence Forces and the Women of Honour group were shocked at the appointment of the Department of Defence's Secretary General to the board of this body. The Women of Honour compared this situation to the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference being the secretariat to investigations into the church. I know other Deputies have raised this, but it is such an important point. It speaks to the Government's position on implementing real and effective change. We see what happens when these investigations are set up, in that it is not in the way the group that is affected is asking for. Does the Tánaiste recognise the group's concerns, or what does he think about the appointment?

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