Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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250. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the structures within the Defence Forces for dealing with complaints such as bullying or sexual harassment; the extent to which he is satisfied that such structures are working satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47429/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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All members of the Defence Forces, both male and female, have the 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.

The Defence Forces policies and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships and unacceptable behaviour are outlined in Defence Forces Administrative Instruction A7. Complaints of unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour are dealt with by the military chain of command either through the legal/disciplinary process or by administrative action. Administrative instruction A7, Chapter 1, 'Interpersonal Relationships in the Defence Forces" is the Defence Forces' policy document which deals with sexual harassment, harassment and bullying.  I am advised by the military authorities that these complaints are dealt with at different levels, either by way of an informal approach or formal process. Specially trained Designated Contact Persons (DCPs) are available to assist complainants. The formal procedure requires that a complaint is made in writing.

Chapter 2 of Administrative Instruction A7 provides another formal mechanism for individuals, under Section 114 (1) and 114 (2) of the Defence Act, 1954, to seek redress of wrongs or to make a complaint. Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing to the complainants Commanding Officer, or in the case where they feel themselves wronged by their Commanding Officer, may complain to the Chief of Staff. Notifications are sent to my office and the office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces formally when any Chapter 2 complaint is submitted and of its subsequent outcome.

Under this mechanism there exists further recourse for the complaint to be referred to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for review and recommendation if appropriate. As the Deputy will be aware, the Ombudsman is entirely independent in carrying out his functions in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act, 2004, and his final report, which may include a recommendation on each complaint, is submitted to me for determination.

I am further advised that in the event that a complaint of a criminal nature is reported, I understand that the standard procedure is that the matter is investigated immediately by the Military Police. Where allegations of serious criminal incidents among serving members are brought to the attention of the Military Police, they are traditionally passed to An Garda Síochána for their consideration and investigation who have the lawful authority, skills and resources to investigate such matters.

The Deputy will be aware that earlier this week I met with participants from the Women of Honour group and with a group of serving female members of the Defence Forces, where I had the opportunity to listen carefully to their experiences, in what were very informative meetings. It is clear that there are very strong views that the culture that is pervading, and the application of the current policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well. I have given my commitment that the serious issues they have raised, will be addressed.

You will also be aware of the actions being taken to establish an Independent Review, which will be undertaken by external, independent and unbiased experts.  The Review will examine the effectiveness of current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues, such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. The terms of the Review, which are in the process of being finalised, are being reviewed in light of  recent meetings with the Women of Honour group and with serving female personnel.  Further engagement with the Women of Honour Group on the Terms of the Review is proposed.  In addition engagement with other stakeholders, including with the Representative Associations, is also scheduled, and will additionally inform the terms.

I can assure the Deputy that I, as Minister, working closely with the Chief of Staff, and the Secretary General, am committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees in the Defence Organisation, both male and female. All individuals have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity in the workplace, and to carry out their duties free from any form of bullying, gender discrimination, or any form of harassment and to reach their full potential.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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251. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of complaints made by victims of any form of abuse within the Defence Forces over the past ten years to date; the extent to which such complaints were dealt with to the satisfaction of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47430/21]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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254. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of complaints made within the Defence Forces in respect of bullying or harassment of a sexual nature or otherwise that were resolved to the satisfaction of the complainants in each of the past ten years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47433/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 254 together.

The information sought by the Deputy could not be collated within the time available and will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces currently deployed overseas; the extent of any future deployments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47432/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As of 2 September 2021, Ireland is contributing 574 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 349 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 134 personnel.Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments and Representative/Liaison Offices at the UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE. 

Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping.  Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations.  This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). 

The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas.  Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participating in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.  The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.

Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the following tabular statement. 

MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS AS OF 2 September 2021

* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations