Review Recommends Statutory Inquiry Into Defence Forces Complaints

The report found 88% of women surveyed

The Defence Forces 'barely tolerates' women at best, according to a new report that says staff are not in a safe working environment.

The government has approved a statutory inquiry into allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual assault within the Defence Forces.

Some 88% of women surveyed for this report said they had experienced some form of sexual harassment which started at cadet level but persisted through various levels of the organisation.

A year-long independent review into gender-based violence, harassment and bullying in the Defence Forces has recommended a full statutory inquiry into the controversy.

Government has confirmed it will implement all recommendations of the review, including the statutory inquiry.

According to the review, Government should establish a "statutory fact-finding process" to "identify systemic failures, if any, in the complaints system" of the Defence Forces.

This statutory process should also examine "whether there have been serious failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces".

It said this should include "whether there has been misuse of disciplinary process, access to promotion or to courses, as a form of retaliation or to deter complaints".

The Independent Review Group also found problems in the Defence Forces persist today and aren't historic.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin commented:“I believe that this report is a watershed moment.  While it correctly acknowledges the high regard in which the Defence Forces is held, and its decades of peacekeeping roles, it nonetheless, signals the critical need for fundamental and immediate cultural change which goes to the very heart of issues relating to dignity, mutual respect and duty of care.

“Bullying, misogynistic behaviour, and any form of sexual misconduct is simply unacceptable, and has no place in a 21st century workplace.”

Thanking the Review Group, chaired by Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon for their work, and acknowledging the courage by members of the Defence Forces in sharing their experiences.

“In particular, I want to thank the Women of Honour, and Women and Men of Honour, who have done so much to raise awareness of these issues.

“I will be progressing a comprehensive programme of immediate actions to address the extremely serious shortcomings identified in this report.

“As Minister for Defence I, and the government is absolutely determined that this report must be, and will be, the catalyst for transformation of Ireland’s Defence Forces," he added.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin says significant reform of the organisation is needed: