Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that we are beginning to get a little bit of clarity. A premises has been procured, which is good. The statutory instrument has not yet been signed, which is not so good. What is the delay? When will that be signed? That is still vague. I am conscious all of the time of the background to this, the delay and the whole history, which I will not go into at this time. The inquiry that was set up said "Notwithstanding the role of the Defence Forces, neither men nor women in the Defence Forces are working in a safe working environment." That is putting it mildly and taking the easiest statement from the inquiry's report. Many things harsher than that were said. It is essential that we get clarity around that. There will be a public statement from the person who is appointed. The question of legal help and legal advice is still unclear. The Minister says it is a matter for the tribunal. Will those who come forward make oral submissions or written submissions? I also seek clarity on legal assistance and costs.

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