Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
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232. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether four members of the legal team originally appointed to the Defence Forces Tribunal (details supplied) ceased to act during the latter part of 2024, whether by resignation, judicial appointment or otherwise; the name, position and date of departure of each person; the reason for each departure insofar as communicated to her or her Department; the period for which each position remained vacant; and the transparent and accountable process used to select and appoint each replacement, including, in particular, the replacement. [68402/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 2024), 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 the Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions.

While matters concerning the appointment of legal persons engaged by the Tribunal are the responsibility of the Tribunal itself, I can confirm to the Deputy that one Senior Counsel, two Junior Counsel and a solicitor departed the Tribunal's legal team during 2024. These vacancies were subsequently filled.

Details of the Tribunal’s current Legal Team are published on the Tribunal’s website at the following URL:

Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
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233. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence where no formal complaints procedure has been adopted by the Defence Forces Tribunal, the procedure by which complaints already received, or received in the future, concerning the Tribunal’s administration, procedures, services, legal team or treatment of complainants and victim-witnesses are to be acknowledged, recorded, independently examined and determined; the person or office responsible for each stage; the standards and time limits applicable; and whether written reasons and an internal or independent review mechanism are available. [68397/26]

Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
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234. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether the Tribunal of Inquiry into Issues Relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces and the Culture Surrounding the Making of Complaints has adopted a formal written procedure for receiving, registering, investigating and determining complaints concerning the tribunal’s own administration, procedures, services, legal team or treatment of persons engaging with it; and the date on which any such procedure was adopted and where it has been published. [68394/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 2024), 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.

The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions. Decisions on the Tribunal's internal administrative and governance arrangements, including any procedures for handling complaints concerning its staff, legal team or services, are entirely a matter for the Tribunal.

Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)
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235. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether the Defence Forces Tribunal has appointed any persons specifically to act as independent investigators, separate from its counsel and solicitors; if so, the number appointed, their professional qualifications, terms of appointment and functions; if none have been appointed, whether the Tribunal’s investigative work is being conducted solely through its legal team (details supplied); whether she has sought or received any assessment of the adequacy of that investigative model; and to provide details of any capacity assessment or assurance received. [68400/26]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 2024), 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. The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions.

In line with the Tribunal’s ‘Procedures of the Tribunal’ published on the Tribunal’s website at the following URL: , ‘the Tribunal will, insofar as practicable, consistent with its duties under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Acts 1921 to 2011, conduct its investigation by seeking and facilitating the voluntary cooperation of any person who is or may be in possession of relevant information, knowledge or material relating to the Terms of Reference'.

In addition, and in accordance with section 6 of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act 2002, the Tribunal has requested the appointment of investigators. The request is presently under review as part of the applicable statutory process.