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

The report of the independent review group established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28 March of this year. The Government agreed to progress the recommendations contained in the report. One of the first actions taken was the establishment of an external oversight body, initially on a non-statutory basis. This body is a critical element to driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and increasing transparency and accountability. I am very pleased that Professor Brian MacCraith agreed to chair the body and the Government approved its terms of reference in July. A priority action for me at this time is to bring forward legislation to establish the body on a statutory footing and good progress is being made in this regard.

In July, the Government approved the text of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023. Part 4 of the Bill amends sections 169 and 192 of the Defence Act 1954 in line with a recommendation in the IRG report. These amendments will ensure that An Garda Síochána will have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law. Any subsequent cases will be dealt with by the civil courts. The Bill is currently progressing through the Dáil and is now on Report Stage.

Also in July, the Government approved the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces to address workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Draft terms of reference have been shared with individuals and groups who have been in contact with me and my office, and I intend to revert to Government in the coming weeks to seek approval for the terms of reference and for the appointment of a judge to chair the tribunal.

In September, I published the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces. This brings together, in one overarching document, the multiplicity of plans developed, and the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation capable of meeting the challenges of today and the future. In relation to the IRG report, the strategic framework identifies 23 specific actions to be progressed, including the three I have already mentioned, with the aim of completion by the end of next year.

Finally, on the element of the Deputy's question relating to pay in the Defence Forces, the implementation of the early actions from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, in addition to the most recent pay increases provided under the Building Momentum pay agreement, have contributed significant progress on pay.

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