David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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372. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 13 July 2021, when the requested information will be made available by the military authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43304/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that the requested information is currently being finalised and a reponse will issue to the Deputy shortly.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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373. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces by rank; the establishment of the Reserve Defence Forces by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43307/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). 

The effective strength of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) as of 31 July, 2021, is 1,513 in total, broken down by rank as follows: 

The substantive strength of the FLR as of 31 July, 2021, is 263, broken down by rank as follows:

Defence Force Regulation CS4 determines the regulatory establishment limits for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the RDF. The establishment figure for the RDF as provided in this Regulation, is 4,069 personnel comprising 3,869 for the Army Reserve (AR), and 200 for the Naval Service Reserve. (NSR). There is no set establishment for the FLR. The combined establishment of the AR and NSR, by rank, as detailed in Defence Force Regulation CS4 is as follows: 

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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374. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of full-time civilian pharmacists working in each military barracks as of 7 September 2021, in tabular form. [43396/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department currently employs one full-time civilian pharmacist. There are two Defence Force pharmacists and the services of a locum pharmacist are also engaged.  The table below outlines the location of each pharmacist.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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375. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of armoured personnel carriers that were delivered in either 2001 or 2002 that are still in active service; and when these vehicles will be replaced. [43397/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects, which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

Central to the Defence Forces fleet of armoured vehicles are the MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carriers. The Defence Forces currently has 80 such vehicles, which provide essential force protection for Defence Forces Personnel serving on peacekeeping missions overseas. The initial contract for the acquisition of Armoured Personnel Carriers saw the delivery of 40 vehicles in 2001 and 2002. Subsequent contracts saw vehicles delivered in 2004 (25 vehicles) and 2007 (15 vehicles), completing the fleet. 

In December 2016 a contract was awarded to General Dynamics European Land Systems - MOWAG GmbH ("MOWAG"), the original equipment manufacturer, for the upgrade of all 80 vehicles. The scope of the upgrade programme includes, but is not limited to; replacement of the primary weapon system in the infantry variant vehicles, supply and integration of a Local Situation Awareness System enabling improved and safer navigation including night driving capabilities as well as improvements to force protection. Existing systems including mechanical elements are also undergoing maintenance and upgrade as required.

The maintenance and upgrade programme is designed to ensure the viable operational lifetime of the fleet out to 2030 and beyond. To date over three quarters of the fleet have completed the programme with 54 vehicles returned, and a further eight due for delivery later this month. The programme is due for completion in 2023. 

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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376. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason that he chose not to act when it was brought to his attention in January 2017 through a protected disclosure that a captain was bullied, sexually abused, victimised and discriminated against in the Defence Forces and that he informed the person that their protected disclosure was subjective. [43573/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Defence I receive information on matters such as those described both formally by way of regular reports from the Chief of Staff and by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wish to have their identity protected. I have a statutory duty to comply with that wish. On this basis, it would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases.

Information received by the Department of Defence is assessed for the purposes of determining potential courses of action. This assessment has regard to:

- the powers available to me under the law

- the powers and expertise of other agencies of the State

- respect for due process and fair procedures

- my duties as an employer

- the source and type of information and

- the manner in which the information is received.

Officials from the Department of Defence have interacted extensively with those  who have provided information, both through personal meetings, phone calls and correspondence.  As these are allegations which are criminal in nature and parties on all sides have rights, it is appropriate that these allegations should be investigated by a competent authority. All parties have been given appropriate contact details and urged to report these allegations of serious criminal offences to an Garda Síochána. 

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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377. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason he accepted an Ombudsman of the Defence Forces report which ruled that a person (details supplied) was discriminated against given it was later determined by the Workplace Relations Commission that they were discriminated against; and if he has confidence in the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces given the contradiction in the conclusions. [43574/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to assure the Deputy, in the first instance, that I have full confidence in the Ombudsman, who discharges his duties in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, Act, 2004.

Under the provisions of this Act, the Ombudsman has full independence and autonomy in the discharge of his statutory functions The findings of the Ombudsman in relation to complaints submitted to his Office under the provisions of the Act, are therefore based on his independent assessment of the information he is presented with during the course of his investigation. In this particular case, the Minister is satisfied that the ODF had appropriately exercised his discretion, that a full, fair and objective investigation had been conducted by the ODF in relation to the facts of the complaints in this case.

The Deputy will be aware that WRC rulings are in the public domain and will be also aware that the Adjudicator in his December 2020 ruling on two complaints brought by an individual, upheld one complaint on the grounds of gender discrimination in relation to promotion, owing to the treatment of absences in terms of access to promotion contrary to S.8 (1) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015.  However, the Adjudicator found that the Minister did not discriminate against the Complainant, and did not victimise her, within the meaning of S.2, S. 6(1) and S. 74 (2) of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 as alleged in her second complaint.

The directions of the ruling are currently being implemented by the military authorities with a view to ensuring that all of the training programmes and materials for Defence Forces personnel are fully aligned, and compatible with, the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and that follow-on actions will be progressed. A  Defence Forces Working Group is established comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations.  The Working Group has had 12 plenary meetings to date in addition to meetings of sub-groups. Progress is continuing in line with the timelines set out in the ruling and this will be fully complied with.

The complainant has ongoing active litigation in a number of fora, and therefore it would not be appropriate to comment further.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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378. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or his Department have ensured that an independent or external investigation was carried out into sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination within the Defence Forces in Ireland to date; and if not, the reason. [43575/21]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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379. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or his Department will ensure that an independent and external investigation of sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination carried out within the Defence Forces in Ireland to date is carried out. [43576/21]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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380. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the research and investigation that his Department carried out into sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination carried out within the Defence Forces in Ireland to date. [43577/21]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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381. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether there a systemic or institutional difficulty within the Defence Forces in dealing with sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination. [43578/21]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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385. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider allowing those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces the right to access the gardaí and the civil courts in terms of the crimes that they have suffered. [43582/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 to 381, inclusive, and 385 together.

All members of the Defence Forces 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. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.

I  listened with concern to the women who recounted their experiences on the Women of Honour programme on RTE Radio on the 11 September 2021. I am committed to meeting with the women profiled, should they wish to do so.

Regular reports on such matters are sent to me formally from the Chief of Staff.   I have also received information on such matters by correspondence provided to me in a confidential manner by individuals who wished to have their identity protected. It would be inappropriate for me to discuss individual cases, as it would be in relation to those cases which are within an independent adjudication process. 

I am aware of some of the complaints profiled in that programme but not the specific details of all.  Senior officials have personally met and interacted with some of the people who were profiled on the programme, to facilitate them in bringing their complaints forward for investigation to the appropriate competent authority, An Garda Síochána.

Concerning the Deputy's question on previous independent or external investigations, there have been three Reports from the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG) since the publication of the Report in 2002 of the External Advisory Committee on the Defence Forces – “The challenge of a Workplace”, in which matters related to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual harassment were examined.

Since 2002, reforms have been introduced and there are practices, and procedures in place within the Defence Forces set out in regulation and policy documents for addressing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. Trained Designated Contact Persons are available to provide confidential support services to personnel.  In addition, a range of other support services are available to personnel and their families, including the Personnel Support Service and Inspire 24/7 helpline.

It is recognised however, that further work needs to be done. A number of specific actions have been in progress over the past few months with a view to shaping future reforms.

Extensive discussions, which have been taking place in recent months on the establishment of an independent review, are at an advanced stage.   The purpose of this independent review is to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. I will be shortly making a statement on the matter, once the terms have  been reviewed in light of the programme.

The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to this independently chaired group.

I wish to reiterate to the Deputy that any type of inappropriate behaviour is unacceptable and allegations relating to sexual offences are extremely serious.  Irrespective of when such matters of a criminal nature may have occurred, I remain of the view that they are best investigated by An Garda Síochána who have the powers and expertise to do so. I would again therefore, strongly urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to contact the Gardai without delay and in addition, to seek professional help and guidance which is available from State agencies such as the HSE or from registered charities specialising in this area.

I can assure the Deputy that both I, as Minister, and the Defence Organisation, are committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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382. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of complaints, allegations and protected disclosures that have been brought to his attention and the attention of his Department in relation to sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination by serving or former personnel of the Defence Forces in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The information sought by the Deputy could not be collated within the time available to answer this question and will be forwarded as soon as possible.

All members of the Defence Forces 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.

I am advised that there are robust measures and systems currently in place within the Defence Forces to address allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. 

Underpinned by a strong set of organisational values, Defence Forces personnel are additionally required to ensure that their own actions and behaviour do not cause offence to others or contribute in any way to a discriminatory working environment.

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. 

There is ongoing consideration between civil and military officials on a number of strands of work to advance workplace structures in this regard i.e.

- Discussions are at an advanced stage on the establishment of an independent review to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination.  The terms of the review will encompass the issues raised n light of the recent programme broadcast by RTE.

- In recent months, the Minister has been in receipt of correspondence - primarily from one source – outlining a number of allegations, including sexual assault allegations of a historical nature. The allegations relate to events said to have occurred within the Permanent Defence Force. 

- An additional specific independently led assessment of actions taken to date and whether any other actions should be adopted is also being established in relation to this specific issue.

- The Commission on Defence Forces established in December 2020, is due to report by end December 2021 and their views will also be an important aid to this independently chaired group.

Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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383. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has ever met with representatives of those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment and or discrimination within the Defence Forces; and if not, the reason why such a meeting has not taken place. [43580/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Officials in my Department have met personally with two individuals and spoken to a third on the phone, who have recounted their experiences working within the Defence Forces. While I cannot go into the detail of these meetings for reasons of confidentiality, I know that the individuals were met and treated in a sympathetic manner and given an opportunity to provide their detail.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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384. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider an amnesty to be afforded to all those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces in order for them to tell their stories anonymously. [43581/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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All members of the Defence Forces 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. The Defence Forces have processes and procedures in place which were developed with professional guidance and which reflect best practice. These processes and procedures educate personnel, facilitate formal and

informal complaint procedures and provide support for those affected.

I recognise that further work needs to be done in this area and this is being progressed by civil and military officials. Included in this work is the establishment of an independent review, the purpose of which will be to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. Discussions in this regard are at an advanced stage.  I will ensure that this review will encompass the issues raised in the recent programme broadcast by RTE.

It should be noted that the provision of information in an anonymous manner raises issues around how that information can be used and care needs to be taken to ensure that information given anonymously does not equate to the establishment of guilt of any individual, notwithstanding the bona fides of those who give the information.