Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 181 together.

On Tuesday last, following Cabinet approval, I published the report of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed to progress, as a priority, the report’s recommendations. These include the:

- Establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with complaints, including sexual misconduct.

- Setting up an External Oversight Body to increase transparency and accountability; and to drive necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces.

- Urgently reforming the existing mechanisms for making a complaint to restore faith and trust in the complaints process.

- Preparing legislation to:-

- establish an independent complaints mechanism for serving members of the Defence Forces;

- establish the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis; and

- amend the Defence Act, 1954 to ensure that all allegations of rape, or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

- A significant programme of reform and culture change delivered by external experts, with measures to eradicate reprisals and retaliation, and develop new policies on gender, inclusion and diversity.

As I have previously stated, I believe that this report is a watershed moment. While it correctly acknowledges the high regard in which the Defence Forces is held, and its decades of peacekeeping roles, it nonetheless, signals the critical need for fundamental and immediate cultural change which goes to the very heart of issues relating to dignity, mutual respect and duty of care. Bullying, misogynistic behaviour, and any form of sexual misconduct is simply unacceptable, and has no place in a 21st century workplace.

I will to assure the Deputy that I will be progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious shortcomings identified in this report.

I am absolutely determined that this report must be, and will be, the catalyst for transformation of Ireland’s Defence Forces.