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

That will not really be the case because the recommendation was for an EOB into the Defence Forces, not the Department, arising out of testimonies and the work of the IRG. The evidence is conclusive that previous iterations of independent monitoring groups, which had representatives on them, did not work. Everyone looked after their particular agenda. I have been in this position for 18 months. We have had developments recently on which people have different perspectives. There needs to be change and I am determined to bring it about. The rank and file of the Defence Forces currently do not believe there will be change if the status quo prevails. The biggest task we have is to convince members that change is going to happen and their voices will be listened to. I agree with the point about voices being heard. The EOB went to various barracks and spoke to the rank-and-file members. The big takeaway was that they do not see change happening fast enough and are concerned that it will not happen to a sufficient degree at all. The EOB is there to make sure that, once and for all, we will bring about change in how the Defence Forces operate and work. We have big challenges regarding recruitment and retention. Material that emerged through the IRG is a factor in that recruitment and above all in retention. The number of cases that came through all point to a dysfunctional complaints system, a dysfunctional way that people can have their voice heard. We do need to change it. I find the EOB quite helpful already in terms of an interim complaints process. As Minister, I am absolutely determined to put the foundations in. I do not want people to say in five years that we lost the moment. There is a moment now to bring about this change.