News and updates

02 April 2025

Re: Interim Grievance Manager Process – a new independent and external complaints process available to serving members of the Defence Forces

Dear Member of the Defence Forces

I am writing to introduce myself and to inform you of a new independent and external process for dealing with complaints concerning dignity at work, which has been launched for serving members of the Defence Forces (both PDF and RDF). It will operate alongside, but separate from, existing complaints procedures and will be an alternative means of processing grievances covered by the new scheme.

The new process known as the ‘Interim Grievance Manager’ process has been developed in response to a recommendation in the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Workplace, and is part of the Defence Forces commitment to ensuring that serving members are provided with a workplace that is free from any form of harassment, sexual harassment, bullying or victimisation.

The process is now being launched as an interim non-statutory service pending the enactment of necessary legislation to establish a suitable complaints system on a permanent footing.

I am delighted to have been appointed as Interim Grievance Manager. I am a former Chairman of the Labour Court, and before that I served as Assistant General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. I have over 50 years’ experience in dealing with issues around workplace conflict.

My role will be to direct and oversee this new service. It will provide a means by which complaints of prohibited conduct can be independently examined. The process is outside your chain of command and is external from both the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. The process will be conducted by reference to a Code of Conduct that will be promulgated by the Chief of Staff.

I am acutely aware that Members of the Defence Forces serve their country with pride and distinction, both at home and abroad. While doing so, they have an irreducible entitlement to dignity and respect in all their personal and professional interactions with those with whom they serve. The majority of serving members will not encounter any departure from that standard of respect. But for those who do, I intend to provide an independent, fair and expeditious means by which their right to dignity at work can be vindicated and any infringements of that right can be redressed. The service is available to all serving members of the Defence Forces regardless of rank or position and can be accessed directly and as of right.

While it is entirely independent and external, I am delighted that the service has been welcomed and will be supported by the Chief of Staff and Defence Forces Board together with the Representative Associations representing members of the Defence Forces.

Finally, I look forward to your cooperation and support in ensuring the success of this new service in meeting the objectives for which it is being established.

Full details of this new service can be obtained on Item was unpublished or removed

Yours sincerely

Kevin Duffy

Interim Grievance Manager