Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their questions. The work and report of the independent review group on dignity and equality in the Defence Forces have raised very profound issues relating to culture and unacceptable behaviour. The value of the report has been demonstrated by the widespread support for its recommendations and the universal reaction of shock and dismay at its contents and conclusions. It is now vital that we quickly build on the work of the review. A statutory inquiry is the logical, necessary next step.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin, has obtained Government approval to establish an independent, judge-led statutory inquiry. It will investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces in relation to interpersonal issues including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct. It is my understanding that it will apply to men and women. I will double-check, but that is my understanding. The Minister for Defence intends to bring forward terms of reference for this inquiry as soon as possible and, to this end, I understand the process of engagement with stakeholders has commenced. The Tánaiste has met with all relevant partners, including the Women of Honour, the women and men of honour, the Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, and veterans association. He will continue to do so. I am advised that their observations and suggestions on the draft terms, which have been provided to them recently, are awaited. The Tánaiste is also in consultation with the Attorney General on the appointment of a judge or a retired judge to lead this inquiry. He intends to bring a nomination to the Government in the coming weeks.

In relation to the question on defence and security policy, I can be very clear to the House that the Government has no plans whatsoever to apply for NATO membership. We are NATO partners through the Partnership for Peace, we have been for a very long time and that will continue. We will continue to be involved in PESCO, which is the European Union's common security and defence policy. I believe that is to our benefit and to the benefit of our security.

One thing Deputy Paul Murphy is absolutely right about is that I have never been a supporter of the triple lock and I have never pretended to be one. I remember how it came about. I cannot remember whether it was the Lisbon Treaty or the Nice Treaty-----

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