Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The general scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 was approved by Government in December 2023 and published in January of this year. This bill addresses the following issues:

1. To establish on a statutory basis an External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces in line with recommendations in the Report of the Independent Review Group – Defence Forces;

2. To resolve an issue regarding representative associations for members of the Defence Forces and their association with ICTU.

3. To update other miscellaneous provisions of the Defence Acts to address issues that have been identified.

This is the first of two Bills which I intend to bring forward to drive forward the cultural transformation of the Defence Forces. The drafting of the Bill is progressing and I expect to be in a position to bring it to Government in April.

This Bill is an important step in delivering on the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces. This is particularly the case in providing for the establishment and operation, on a statutory basis, of the External Oversight Body, which was a key recommendation of the Independent Review Group. The External Oversight Body will be a key driver in the implementation of the necessary cultural transformation throughout the Defence Forces, including addressing issues relating to dignity in the work place.

My Department will also advance a second Bill in 2024. This Bill will amend the Defence Acts to give effect to certain recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Report of the Independent Review Group on the Defence Forces and to address other matters including the Triple Lock.

The Deputy might also note that in July 2023, the Government approved the text of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023. Part 4 of the Bill amends sections 169 and 192 of the Defence Act 1954 in line with a recommendation in the Independent Review Group Report. These amendments will ensure that An Garda Síochána will have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law. Any subsequent cases will be dealt with by the civil courts. The Bill is progressing through the Dáil and is currently at the Report Stage.