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

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. The report of the IRG established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28 March 2023. 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, which is a critical element to driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and increasing transparency and accountability. Professor Brian MacCraith agreed to chair the body and last July, the Government approved its terms of reference. To date, the external oversight body had met on 17 occasions and last November I received its first written report in what is, from here on, a quarterly reporting cycle.

In a further important development, last month the Government approved the general scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023, which includes provisions for the establishment of the external body on a statutory basis. The general scheme has since been published on my Department’s website. In July 2023, the Government also 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 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 progressing through the Dáil and is currently on Report Stage.

On 16 January, the Government approved the terms of reference for a judge-led tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. I am very pleased that Ms Justice Ann Power will chair the tribunal and I express my gratitude, and that of the Government, to her for agreeing to take on this very important task.

Over the coming week, I will move motions seeking the approval of both Houses to formally establish the tribunal and thereby allow its work to get under way as early as possible this year. In a further development last week, I announced the appointment of Mr. Kevin Duffy as the independent chair of the working group that is to be established to develop a complaints process for civilians and civil servants working with the Defence Forces. He brings a wealth of experience. Following discussions with officials in my Department, the Garda Commissioner has established a helpline for victims of sexual assault to report historical or current cases.

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