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

I thank all Senators for their contributions. Táimid fíorbhuíoch díobh. Níl aon amhras ach gur tuarascáil den scoth atá againn anseo agus go mbeidh dea-thionchar aige ar Óglaigh na hÉireann sna blianta atá romhainn. Táim an-bhuíoch den bhreitheamh as ucht cé chomh cuimsitheach is atá an tuarascáil. Tá ceachtanna le foghlaim againn go léir as seo amach.

I will address a number of the key issues raised. I will not go through the contributions of every Senator but will try to bring them all together. Senator McGreehan, in particular, and all Senators who spoke saluted the courage of those who came forward. The point was made that for individual women to tell of their experience is a very traumatic thing to do and we should always be mindful of that. I am very conscious of that and all Senators articulated it. I salute the Women of Honour or rather, the women and men of honour, as well as the current women's defence network within the Department of Defence, which the Secretary General established. The latter is a very good forum as well.

I listened to Senator Craughwell with interest and, in fairness, we need to hear all perspectives on this. People need to have the ability to stand up and say freely what they think. I say this genuinely and with respect, but denial is not an option here. I understand that many people feel hurt. That is true-----