Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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306. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to investigate the serious allegations of sexual abuse in the Defence Forces over the years made in writing to him by former members of the Defence Forces. [32578/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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307. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the responsibility he has to help sexual abuse victims who were abused when they were members of the Defence Forces; and if he or the Defence Forces authorities have a duty of care for such victims, male or female; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32579/21]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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309. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces authorities investigate allegations of sexual abuse within the Defence Forces themselves or if they refer them to An Garda Síochána for investigation in all cases. [32581/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 306, 307 and 309 together.

All members of the Defence Forces, Permanent and Reserve, have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. These unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces.

The Military Authorities have advised me that there are robust measures and systems currently in place within the Defence Forces to address any allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. Defence Force Regulation A7, in the first instance, provides the regulatory framework for dealing with such matters for serving members of the Defence Forces in both a formal and informal way through a trained Designated Contact Person (DCP) network.

Within this framework, Administrative Instruction A7, Chapter 1 sets out the Defence Forces policy and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships in the Defence Forces including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying, in order to deter unacceptable behaviour and promote a service environment based on mutual respect, equality and professionalism.

Where the alleged victim and the alleged suspect of inappropriate behaviour of a possible criminal nature, are both serving members, a complaint may be made directly to the Military Police. Depending on the nature of the case, such complaints may be referred to an Garda Síochána. Cases involving a civilian, whether a former member of the Defence Forces or not, are matters appropriate for investigation by an Garda Síochána.

I urge those who may have suffered serious wrong of a criminal nature to report their concerns to an Garda Síochána who have the lawful authority, skills and resources to investigate and to prosecute such matters and to treat all of those in this process with dignity and respect, especially those who come forward with traumatic detail.

The need to care for the well-being of its members is a priority for the Defence Forces and in this regard, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) is in place for the use of members and their immediate family, The Brigade PSS Office and Occupational Social Worker network in each Brigade/Formation supports Defence Forces personnel and their families in times of crisis and general difficulty. Services include the provision of information and advice on areas including stress management, counselling and referral options.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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308. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the correspondence his office has received from a person (details supplied) in the past five years; the action that has been taken on foot of the serious allegations contained in same; if he or his officials passed the files and correspondence on to An Garda Síochána for investigations or to the Defence Forces Ombudsman; and if so, if he enquired as to the stage at which the investigations into the allegations by An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces Ombudsman are at. [32580/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A serving member of the Defence Forces may avail of a number of processes to pursue any complaint or allegation in relation to their treatment or experiences within the Defence Forces. Where the alleged victim and the alleged suspect are both serving members, a complaint may be made to the Military Police. Depending on the nature of the case, such complaints may be referred to an Garda Síochána. Cases involving a civilian, whether a former member of the Defence Forces or not, are matters appropriate for investigation by an Garda Síochána.

Subject to conditions set out in the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, serving and former members of the Defence Forces may avail of the services of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for pursuing complaints. There is no provision within the Act for the Minister to refer matters to the Ombudsman.

The Minister may refer information received by him to an Garda Síochána for investigation and if done so, the matter is then subject to their independent investigative process.

It is not appropriate for the Minister to comment on the circumstances of individual cases.