Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Yes, I know, but you should have got a substantive response. My sincere apologies if that did not happen. I will ensure that it does now because there can be zero tolerance for this. “Zero tolerance” cannot just be a phrase. The Defence Forces cannot recuse themselves from zero tolerance. It has to apply to every part of Irish society, including the Defence Forces.

I am open to meeting that individual. I just need to take advice on the appropriateness of it and what the current status of the case is. Certainly, let me come back to the Deputy in relation to that and the appropriateness of it. On the victims of crime Act, again, I want to engage with my officials on it, but it seems logical to seek to extend it to the Defence Forces

More broadly, the Deputy rightly mentioned the Women of Honour, which is important. They have done the State a huge service. We have established a tribunal to investigate the many important issues. The culture needs to change. There can be zero tolerance for any gender-based violence, domestic violence or sexual violence within our Defence Forces.

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