Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat. As the Minister is aware, there was a briefing in the audiovisual room today and the information we heard was quite harrowing, not only from the Women of Honour but from the other groups as well. They mentioned respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity. Those are the six values that the Defence Forces state are fundamental. They are the ethos of the Defence Forces. These values are the very reason many chose a career in the Defence Forces. Unfortunately, they were let down and failed and they are coping with that fact daily.

To choose the military is not an easy option. It is not for everyone and it is a choice that comes from a place of great pride in your country and a call to defend your people. The Minister needs to bear in mind that these are formidable individuals. They will not be deterred nor will they give up. They have been loud and unequivocally clear that the terms of reference do exclude victims of abuse. We know full well that the complaints process has been deficient, and we have known this from as far back as 1990. Perhaps the Minister can provide a bit of clarification because it is my understanding that those who did not engage with the complaints process will not be included in the inquiry.

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