Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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30. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 2 February 2023, when the independent assessment (details supplied) will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13642/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In 2020, an individual commenced considerable correspondence detailing allegations of sexual misconduct within the Permanent Defence Force. The incidences spanned a broad period between the 1970s and 1990s. The allegations included one of the existence of a paedophile ring in the Curragh Camp.

The individual sought an acknowledgement that abuse happened, a statement of apology and compensation for those who suffered abuse. The Department of Defence advised him that the allegations, some of which were first hand accounts and others not, were matters appropriate to an Garda Síochána.

The Department of Defence brought the matter to the attention of an Garda Síochána who subsequently contacted the individual who provided the information. I understand also that the individual was in touch with Tusla.

The then Minister was keen to ensure that the actions taken by the Department of Defence were appropriate in the circumstances having regard to the regulatory frameworks, policies and internal grievance systems in place. For that reason, Minister Coveney, in May 2022, on foot of a nomination from the Office of the Attorney General, appointed a Senior Counsel to assess the actions taken and to advise what if anything, could be done by the Department of Defence in circumstances of continued receipt of correspondence.

The substantive report was received by the Department of Defence on Thursday 26 January 2023. The Terms of Reference for Counsel provided that the report could be sent to the Independent Review Group for their awareness and this has been done.

The report is now available on the Department's web site. Since the Deputy's question on 7 February 2023, the Secretary General met with the individual concerned on the 9 March 2023 and gave him a copy of the report. He was accompanied and supported at that meeting by a colleague. The individual was given time to provide any comments and he has been in contact with the Department since then.