Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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82. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 21 of 6 May 2024, the details of the resources allocated to the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces; the number of support and administrative staff that have been appointed to the tribunal; the details of the legal supports, if any, that will be provided to people who make submissions to the tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28182/24]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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86. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funding made available the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Matters Relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces; and if funding will be provided to ensure adequate support for those who wish to give testimony before the Inquiry. [28126/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 86 together.

Following the approval by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann of the motions to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry, I recently signed a Statutory Instrument to give effect to the formal establishment of the Tribunal.

The Tribunal of Inquiry will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel

An allocation of €3.6m has been provided in the Defence Vote as part of the agreed Estimates for 2024 to support the establishment and the work of the Tribunal. Further allocations for subsequent years will be agreed as part of the annual Estimates process for each year.

Ms. Justice Ann Power was appointed as the Sole Member of the Tribunal and delivered the Tribunal's Opening Statement at its first public sitting on Monday 24 June last. A transcript of this can be found on the Tribunal's website at www.toidf.ie.

Decisions on the granting of legal representation are entirely a matter for the Tribunal and the application process is set out in the Rules of Procedure for the Tribunal which can also be found on the Tribunal's website. In this regard, the Rules of Procedure also address the issue of applications for costs.

The Tribunal is currently supported in its task by a legal team comprising three Senior Counsel, one Junior Counsel, two Documentary Counsel and a Solicitor. Details of the Tribunal's legal team are provided on its website. The Tribunal is also supported by an administrative team which comprises a Registrar and three office staff.