Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the operation of the equality and anti-bullying measures in the military in 2007. [6342/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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 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" was launched by my predecessor on 24 September 2004. It describes the significant progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle Report in 2002. The report is available on the Defence Forces website.

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 are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.

My Department has received a total of six (6) claims in 2007 that primarily allege bullying/harassment. In addition, seventeen (17) calls were received by Careline during 2007. Careline is an independent external confidential "Free Phone" Helpline and Counselling Service which was set up for members of the Permanent Defence Force in March 2003. One (1) related to bullying/harassment.

The Independent Monitoring Group recommended that a review of progress within the Defence Forces should take place in 2007 and that it should be published. I can confirm that the first meeting of the review group, including representatives of military management, PDFORRA, RACO, Department of Defence and external expertise is scheduled to take place this month.