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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 21 together.

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 both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

The tribunal chair is currently finalising arrangements to allow the inquiry to commence its work at the earliest possible date. This includes the appointment of legal and administrative staff to support the work of the tribunal. A premises in Smithfield, Dublin, has been provided by the Office of Public Works for the purposes of the inquiry and arrangements are ongoing to ensure that it is ready for its first public sitting day.

I will be signing a statutory instrument to give effect to the formal establishment of the tribunal very shortly. Following this, I anticipate that the tribunal will publish an opening statement containing general guidance for all persons who wish to engage with it on matters relevant to its terms of reference. This would include information about how people can make submissions to the tribunal. It will be a matter for the tribunal to determine how it conducts its subsequent investigations. As is normal in these cases, decisions on the granting of legal representation will be entirely a matter for the tribunal.

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