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

I have been Minister for Defence for over a year. I am determined to establish a tribunal of inquiry, on foot of the independent review group.

The Government recently approved the terms of reference for a tribunal of inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921. The tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Government also approved the appointment of Ms Justice Ann Power to chair the tribunal. The motions to establish the tribunal of inquiry were subsequently approved by Dáil and Seanad Éireann. A premises in Smithfield in Dublin has been provided by the Office of Public Works for the purposes of the tribunal.

The chair is currently making arrangements to allow the tribunal to commence its work as soon as possible. Once all logistical and administrative arrangements have been put in place, I will sign a statutory instrument to give effect to the tribunal which will thereby allow it to commence its work as soon as possible.

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