Press release
Tánaiste publishes recommendations of Frances Meenan SC on Defence Forces Cadet School
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin today published the recommendations contained in the report of Frances Meenan SC into allegations concerning the conduct of training in the Defence Forces Cadet School.
The report’s recommendations originate from a series of allegations contained in correspondence submitted by way of a protected disclosure.
Following a direction from the Chief of Staff, an Action Plan in response to the Frances Meenan SC report was immediately put in place by the Cadet School in March 2022. This Action Plan has been under constant review and was updated in September 2022 and again in February 2023.
As interviewees were assured of confidentiality during this process, the full report has not been published.
Responding to the report, the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence said:
“Although Frances Meehan SC has identified positive aspects to the systems and training environment in the Cadet School, this report again points to the need for transformation in culture, regulation and practices within the Defence Forces. I thank those who came forward and made the recommendations made by Frances Meenan SC possible.
“I want a career in the Defence Forces to be one where every individual feels valued, respected and recognised for the positive contribution they are making to the country’s security.
“The government as a whole, the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces Chief of Staff are committed to delivering this change.”
There are 30 recommendations contained in the report, covering a broad range of areas including Protective Disclosures, Policies in relation to Employment Equality and Bullying at Work, Training of instructors, discrimination against female cadets and social media policy.
The Action Plan that has been put in place, since March 2022, addresses these issues.
On 28 June 2020, the Minister of State for Defence using his delegated powers requested a Review of Disclosures in the Cadet School as set out in letters to the Minister dated 28 April 2020, 24 May 2020 and 19 June 2020 from a person making Disclosures under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.
