Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 723: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that he intends to undertake a review of the redress of wrongs process within the Defence Forces; the likely timescale for this review; the processes he intends to put in place for the review; the persons who will be involved in consultation around the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26525/12]

Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 724: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason he has decided to conduct a review of the redress of wrongs process within the Defence Forces; if such a review has been sought by the Defence Forces, their representative bodies or other associated organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 723 and 724 together.

A review of the internal redress system and procedures of the Defence Forces as provided for in Section 114 of the Defence Act 1954, is scheduled to commence during 2012. A review of the redress of wrongs process was a recommendation contained in the second report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) and is being progressed on this basis. The IMG report included many recommendations to chart the way ahead in continuing to meet the demands for dignity and equality in the military workplace. The 2008 IMG report contains in excess of forty (40) specific recommendations and this is one of the last few recommendations remaining to be implemented.

A Working Group will be set up shortly to draft terms of reference and progress the review of the redress of wrongs process. It is envisaged that the Working Group will consult with all stakeholders and carry out a full review of primary and secondary legislation underpinning the system, including the Defence Acts, Regulations, Administrative Instructions and other relevant documentation. It is anticipated that the review will be significantly advanced by the year-end.