Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made on conducting the comprehensive review recommended by the independent monitoring group in its report Response to the Challenge of a Workplace 2004 that a comprehensive review should take place before the end of 2007; if the group to carry out this review has been appointed; the composition of same; the number of times it has met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22104/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The independent monitoring group in its report Response to the Challenge of a Workplace stated that a professional review of progress within the Defence Forces should take place in 2007 and that it should be published. The report also suggested that a group representative of military management, PDFORRA, RACO, the Department of Defence and external expertise should conduct such a review.

I agree there should be a review of progress. I can confirm that my Department is concentrating on the terms of reference for such a review. The next phase, involving the key players, will be launched shortly.

The ongoing implementation of the recommendations of the Doyle report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and the Department since its publication. Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are constantly communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied the military authorities are alert to and vigilant on this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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A commitment was given in the action plan under the pay agreement and modernisation agenda for the Defence Forces last June that this review group would be established by the end of September. Why has it not been established? It was expected to report by the end of 2007. As far as I am aware, the only outstanding requirement is for the Minister to appoint an external expert to chair the review group, as its other elements are ready and waiting. Why has it not yet been appointed? Realistically, does the Minister believe such a review can be carried out by the end of the year and will the group report before then? I have read some of his replies to questions tabled in the House, in which he gave commitments to that effect, as were made in the 2004 review of the White Paper.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Doyle report was presented in 2002 and a review carried out in 2004. The Deputy is correct to state the next review was scheduled for 2007. However, the Department has encountered a couple of internal staff difficulties that have delayed matters. It is untrue to state it is simply waiting for the appointment of an external person. It is engaged in drawing up the terms of reference. I understand it has drawn up certain terms of reference and is examining them in the light of certain developments in society, some experiences that came to its intention on foot of the appointment of the newly established ombudsman, as well as the Health and Safety Authority's recently produced bullying charter. It is fine-tuning the terms of reference. I understand this will be completed within the next couple of weeks and we can move forward thereafter. It probably would be unrealistic to expect the review to be completed by the end of the year; it will probably be done by early next year. However, this does not represent any diminution in the commitment of either the Department or the Army to tackling bullying and harassment in the ranks of the latter. If the Deputy wishes, I can provide him with a lengthy list outlining what has been done and is being done and what is proposed to do in this regard. Some dramatic changes have been made recently.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I appeal to the Minister to put in place the review group because, as he stated, considerable progress has been made. Other countries are examining the Irish model in an effort to deal with their own problems of bullying and harassment. However, the momentum must continue and there can be no let-up in implementing all the recommendations fully at all levels.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There will not be any let-up in implementing the specific recommendations, many of which are in place. As the Deputy correctly identified, the review's purpose is to ascertain how well they are working. My information is they are working very well. However, I look forward to the review which I am sure will bear that out.