Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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169. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence how he can reconcile the involvement of the Department of Defence and his office in drawing up draft terms of reference for a statutory inquiry into what, if the review had included his Department, may well show findings of sharp, mal or poor practice within his Department and, his actions and/or the actions of the Minister of the day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21858/23]

Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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170. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he and the Government will be prepared to have an independent authority such as the appropriate joint Oireachtas committee, Standards in Public Office Commission or other such independent entity commence the process afresh, to engage in a complete fashion with all stakeholders in drawing up appropriate terms of reference for a statutory inquiry which are above reproach and enjoy the confidence of all stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21862/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I am currently progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious issues identified in the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG).

As I said in my initial response to the Report, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust.

The Government has agreed to progress its thirteen recommendations in full. I am absolutely determined that this report must be, and will be, the catalyst for the transformation of Ireland’s Defence Forces.

Most immediately, the Government has moved to establish an External Oversight Body, on a non-statutory basis initially, to drive the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and to increase transparency and accountability.

The calibre and combined skills and experience of the members of the Body, under the chair of Prof. Brian MacCraith, is exceptional and I am very satisfied on their ability to carry out their important role in overseeing the future transformation and accountability of the Defence Forces effectively.

The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a Statutory Inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces on interpersonal issues, including sexual misconduct. It is important that the momentum and impact of the IRG Report is built upon quickly. Accordingly, I have been consulting with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment.

I am also keenly aware of the importance of consultation with all stakeholders, as this transformation is taken forward. To this end, I met with a number of stakeholder groups on 2 May, which included the Defence Women’s Network, the Representative Associations (RACO, PDFORRA, RDFRA), the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group. In addition, meetings took place with the Veteran Associations and with Civil and Civilian Employee Unions.

At the meetings, a first draft of proposed Terms of Reference for the forthcoming Statutory Inquiry was shared with the Groups. All groups have been invited to provide feedback and I can confirm that there will be further engagements and consultation with stakeholder groups on the proposed Terms of Reference before they are finalised, in consultation with the Attorney General.

I wish to make it clear that the Department of Defence will be included in the scope of this Inquiry.