Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators across the House for their contributions, all of which I identify with. It is important to hear everyone's views, with which I concur. I welcome the members of the brave and courageous Women of Honour to the Public Gallery and support them in what they have had to endure at a very stressful and emotional time in their lives, when the State has let them down. That is horrific to have gone through. As Senators said, we all remember where we were when we heard those contributions on Katie Hannon's excellent documentary.

The motion is clear that a tribunal should be established as expeditiously as possible. The Government is keen to establish the tribunal and allow it to commence its work without delay. The report of the independent review group was published in March of last year and the details therein were shocking and very concerning. There are many good people in the Defence Forces who serve with great honour. Unfortunately, however, there are others who have tarnished that good name. Our Defence Forces, in the overwhelming majority, comprise men and women who have taken the decision to pursue a career in the service and security of their country. They deserve a quality workplace that, at the very least, meets modern human resource standards.

The establishment of the tribunal is a further example of the Government's commitment to eradicating malpractices in the Defence Forces in respect of bullying and harassment, including serious sexual harassment. There was extensive engagement with the Attorney General on the preparation of the terms of reference for this tribunal of inquiry. We are all aware of tribunals of the past that went on for years at significant cost to the taxpayer but in the end achieved very little. It will be in nobody's interests in if we end up with a tribunal for which the terms of reference are so wide that the whole process becomes unmanageable and where, by the time it concludes, people will have forgotten why it was set up in the first instance.

It is for this reason that the terms of reference are such that the tribunal can endeavour to complete its work within the next three years. The terms of reference are clearly defined and manageable, while at the same time they afford the necessary discretion and flexibility to the chairperson. They are appropriate for the establishment of an inquiry that is capable of completing the task assigned to it in an efficient and effective manner. There was extensive engagement in the preparation of the terms of reference for the tribunal. The initial draft, circulated last May, has been amended and has expanded on the feedback received from a number of groups and individuals. I acknowledge the Attorney General and his staff for the considerable degree of advice and assistance they have provided throughout the process.

I wish the tribunal chairperson, Ms Justice Power, well in her role. She brings to it a wealth of experience and I have no doubt the tribunal will prove to be a success under her guidance and leadership. I ask the House to support the motion for the establishment of the tribunal of inquiry and for the terms of reference put before it.