Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has ordered any reviews into training procedures and gender discrimination in the Defence Forces since becoming Minister; the number of reviews ongoing presently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5227/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would like confirm to the Deputy that the the Workplace Relations Commission recommendations on anti-discrimination law arising from a decision in December 2020 are currently being implemented by the Military Authorities.

As part of this body of work a report from a Defence Forces Working Group, comprising membership from the Defence Forces HR, Legal and Training & Education HQ Branches as well as representatives from the Defence Forces Formations, was completed in Q4 2021 and is being taken forward with the support of my Department, with a view to ensuring that all  training programmes, materials and associated documents for Defence Forces personnel as well as  Defence Force Regulations are fully aligned, and compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.

A key element of this exercise which is currently  very well advanced, has been in the area of maternity and protected leave, including in the context of safety, health and welfare, as well as performance appraisals and promotions. 

The Terms of Reference for the Judge-led Independent Review Group into dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces, established in January 2022, additionally includes an  assessment of  the effectiveness of training syllabi and awareness programmes for all ranks within the Defence Forces.

The Final Report from the Group is expected to be submitted to me later this week, I will  be considering this Report in full, in consultation with the Attorney General, before bringing it to Government and its publication.