Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is most appropriate the Seanad has set aside time later to discuss the crucially important report of the independent review group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces. I thank the Women of Honour for speaking out about their experience in the Defence Forces. Their courage and bravery in sharing their stories has brought to light the urgent need for change within our military culture. It is because of their voices this report was commissioned and because of their voices we can, I hope, take steps towards creating a more inclusive and respectful Defence Forces. The report describes a culture rife with harassment and other grave, reprehensible behaviour.

I welcome the Government's speedy and full acceptance of the recommendations of the review. The report calls for the establishment of an independent complaints mechanism, as well as the development of a comprehensive training programme to educate personnel about dignity and equality issues. These recommendations need to be taken seriously and must be implemented as soon as possible. We cannot allow a culture of fear, intimidation, or reprisal to exist in our armed forces. The report reiterates many recommendations made last year by the Commission on the Defence Forces, including the need for equity across defence healthcare services, the critical need for HIQA to be given the statutory authority to independently oversee defence healthcare services, the need to reduce barriers to the entry to the management ranks of the organisation, the need for family-friendly working conditions and the need for significant cultural and organisational reform.

The Defence Forces are a proud institution and today we are thanking them for their role in safely evacuating citizens from Sudan, with the assistance of other members of our European family such as France and Spain. They are an essential pillar of our State and our democracy and its members are part of the fabric of our communities up and down the country. As we can see right now in the Horn of Africa, they have a vital role to play in protecting our people at home and around the world. This report can be an important step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful culture within the Defence Forces, but only if implemented effectively resourced adequately, supported with external expertise and scrutinised rigorously by the Houses of the Oireachtas. On a day when we thank the Defence Forces, it is appropriate to set aside time for a stand-alone discussion and I commend the Leader on scheduling this.