Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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262. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Jadotville community were invited to make submissions when drafting the terms of reference for the tribunal in relation to examining the way in which complaints were made since 1983; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16766/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry has been established to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Tribunal also has the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

In determining the format of this Statutory Inquiry, I am advised that the former Tánaiste and Minister for Defence consulted with the Attorney General and also met a number of key stakeholders including the Defence Forces' Representative Associations and the Defence Forces' Veteran Associations, the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group.

The draft terms of reference were also shared at that time with a number of Groups and individuals who contacted the Office of the Minister for Defence in respect of the proposed establishment of the Statutory Inquiry. The community referred to by the Deputy were not among these Groups.