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

To be clear, the Women of Honour group did see the terms of reference before publication. As there was a series of drafts of the terms of reference that went to and fro between the Women of Honour, their legal representatives, the Department and me, what the Deputy said is not correct. I want to be very clear about that. It was a long enough process to finally conclude the terms of reference. The majority of what was asked for has been provided for within the terms of reference. It is also a public inquiry which the Women of Honour sought. It is a statutory tribunal of inquiry under the statutory tribunals of inquiry Act. I think it will be very comprehensive. We need to be reasonably timely too because victims who have survived abuse and so on need a timely response from the tribunal, as do serving members.

On litigation and so on, the Department received litigation on personal injury claims, that is, slips, trips, falls, lifting and carrying injuries, illness, PTSD, training accidents, bullying, harassment, sporting injuries and injuries relating to weapons, explosives and ammunition. Claims may also be received as civil bills, plenary summons or judicial reviews in respect of employment matters, promotions, enlistments, discharges, disciplinary matters and allowances. There is a very wide subject matter that can be the subject matter of litigation.

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