Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 7: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with the operation of equality and anti-bullying measures in the military. [21985/07]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Defence when he will carry out the next review of the operation of the equality and anti-bullying measures in the Army. [21977/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 11 together.

The Defence Forces and the Department have taken a wide variety of initiatives and have devoted extensive resources to this issue since Dr. Eileen Doyle and the external advisory committee presented their original report, The Challenge of a Workplace, in March 2002. This independent report addressed the entire range of interpersonal issues within the Defence Forces. Its contents and recommendations were accepted in full.

An independent monitoring group was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the original Doyle report. The independent monitoring group's own progress report, Response to the Challenge of a Workplace, which was launched by my predecessor, former Deputy Michael Smith, on 24 September 2004, is available on the Defence Forces website and describes in great detail the very significant progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle report in 2002.

An internal military steering group, chaired by the Assistant Chief of Staff and comprising the director of administration, director of human resources management and director of Defence Forces training, oversees the implementation of all the recommendations of Response to the Challenge of a Workplace.

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 being constantly communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied that the military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which, as I stated earlier, are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.

The independent monitoring group recommended 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 currently concentrating on the terms of reference for such a review. The next phase, involving the key players, will be launched shortly.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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I understand it is the target of the Minister and the Chief of Staff to increase the percentage of females in the Army from 5% to 10%. Has the new minimum height regulation that was introduced in September 2006 had any effect on the number of females seeking to join the Army? In general terms, what timeframe does the Minister believe is realistic to achieve his target of 10% female participation in the Army?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I do not wish to mention timeframes which I will subsequently be asked about in the House. There are some indications the change in the height requirements is having a beneficial effect. As a result of this change, slightly more than 90% of the female population is now eligible to join the Army. That is an increase from the previous level of 65%. Based on research carried out, we will be putting in place a number of other measures. An advertising campaign will be involved, as will visits to schools etc. It is my objective to reach the 10% target I have set as quickly as possible.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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As I pointed out previously on Priority Questions, the Minister has already missed the deadline set in the first timeframe to set up the review group. I hope that will not still be the case at the end of October.

Do regular meetings take place between the instructors in all the training centres to help to develop the skills and professionalism of instructors? Who is instructing the instructors? Can the Minister indicate how many instructors are currently in place and whether it is intended to increase their number to ensure people are available at all times in the workplace to implement the recommendations?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The deadline has been missed by a couple of months. I am sorry but this is not a major crisis. What is important is that the recommendations of the Dáil committee are being put in place and are being implemented. I am sure the report will show that.

I am satisfied the Army will inform me if difficulties arise on the training side in terms of the number of instructors or in regard to other issues. I have had no such complaints. I do not know how many instructors are currently in place but I will find out for Deputy Deenihan.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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In the Minister's view, is there any substance to the allegations made by the president of PDFORRA in terms of soldiers who put their heads above the parapet by becoming officials of PDFORRA, being denied career opportunities, including overseas service, and frequently having charges brought against them that are subsequently dropped?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish PDFORRA would bring these allegations to my attention. I read about this in the newspaper but even though I frequently meet individual members of PDFORRA — I will meet them at the national conference next week — nobody has brought this matter directly to my attention. I say that as a matter of certainty. I see no evidence of it. If something like that is happening, there are plenty of redress mechanisms within the Army, up to and including a statutorily independent ombudsman.

If people want to make a complaint there is a whole raft of internal mechanisms available rather than for them to complain in the manner outlined by the Deputy. I will meet PDFORRA next week in a formal capacity and if anybody wishes to bring any matter to my attention, he or she may do so in either a formal or informal way at a meeting. They are more than welcome to do this.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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An allegation is contained in this article that the disciplinary system is used against members of PDFORRA. The implication appears to be that it is difficult to pursue that kind of complaint. I take it from what the Minister said that no formal complaints have reached him and that, equally, he is not aware of any evidence that would sustain or substantiate these allegations.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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That is absolutely correct. This has never been brought directly to my attention. I would remember if it had been. I have no evidence to sustain this allegation. The only way one could possibly test it, as it were, would be to go through the list of people against whom disciplinary action was taken and see whether an undue proportion of them are actively involved with PDFORRA.

As far as I know, there are many people in the Army who want to be involved in the Army trade union, PDFORRA. There is no shortage of people willing to join it or become actively involved in it. There is robust competition for places every year when the AGM comes around. I have no evidence they are being singled out in any way.

We have now allocated approximately 235 people within the Army to act as direct contact persons, DCPs, to whom people can go if they have a complaint. That is another form of representation. We set out to have that many DCPs. The Army high command informed me there was no difficulty in recruiting personnel who were able, willing and ready to serve in that capacity.