Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when all the recommendations contained in the report on the Defence Forces are likely to be implemented including the issues around gender-based violence, with particular reference to recent horrific events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28191/24]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This question, similarly to those we have already dealt with, seeks reassurance regarding issues that have caused so much concern, hurt and anguish in this country at the hands of people who should know more and who should have set an example themselves but did not.

The means to deal with it, as the Tánaiste set out, need to be continued and forceful.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We dealt with this issue substantially, but I thank the Deputy for raising it. The report of the independent review group, IRG, established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces, was published following Government approval on 28 March 2023. The Government agreed to progress the 13 recommendations contained in the report. Some actions have already been completed, while others will take further time due to the requirement for legislative change.

One of the first actions taken following the publication of the IRG report was the establishment of an external oversight body, initially on a non-statutory basis. It is a critical element in driving the necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces and increasing transparency and accountability. Professor Brian MacCraith is chair of the body and last July the Government approved its terms of reference. To date, the external oversight body has met on 28 occasions and I recently received its second written report. I have also met the chair on a number of occasions, including as recently as last Friday, 28 June.

The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is currently progressing through the Oireachtas and is scheduled for Committee Stage debate in the Seanad tomorrow, includes provision for the establishment of the external oversight body on a statutory basis. In a further significant development, in January of this year motions to establish a tribunal of inquiry were approved by Dáil and Seanad Éireann. The terms of reference for this judge-led inquiry provide that it is 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. It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals in Air Corps headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. I recently signed a statutory instrument to give effect to the formal establishment of the tribunal.

One of the key actions following publication of the IRG report was taken in July 2023, when 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 IRG 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 has passed all Stages. That is the current position.

We have also developed sexual ethics and responsible relationship workshops in co-operation with UCC. The workshops commenced in September last year and are mandatory for all personnel to attend. That important programme is being delivered by Professor Louise Crowley of the UCC School of Law and I took the opportunity to meet Professor Crowley to discuss the importance of the work she is carrying out.

I want to be absolutely clear. The Government and I have zero tolerance for domestic and gender-based violence and I do not believe that any such behaviour can in any way be tolerated in our Defence Forces. I have been absolutely clear since becoming Minister for Defence on the need for urgent transformation of the culture in the Defence Forces. I am adamant that the Defence Forces must be a place where no one convicted of serious physical assaults, sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence can continue to be engaged in active service.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

My Department is working tirelessly with Defence Forces’ colleagues to take the steps required to bring about the culture change that is so urgently required. This work is being overseen by the external oversight body and represents a significant programme of reform and culture change that is being prioritised to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, is reflective of contemporary Irish society and provides a safe workplace.

I am aware of the pressing need for an acceleration of the actions needed to influence culture change and I am doing and will continue do my utmost to ensure that the change required is introduced. There has to be a zero tolerance approach to gender-based violence in Irish society and in the Defence Forces. This change involves every member in the Defence Forces.