Le: Aire Cosanta; Micheál Martin
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
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Good afternoon,
Later this week we will have a full debate on the Independent Review Group’s report on the Defence Forces in Dáil Éireann, which is the right and proper place.
However, given this morning’s government decision and the high level of public concern on the issues involved, I want to provide an initial response to the Report and set out how we as a government, and I as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, intend to proceed.
The Defence Forces have been an important part of Irish life since before the foundation of our State.
In modern times, they have been central to the presentation of Irish foreign policy in the world, and our record as a nation strongly committed to the rules-based international order.
For almost seventy years, Irish soldiers have made an honourable and internationally recognised contribution to United Nations peacekeeping efforts.
We were reminded just a few short months ago of the tremendous cost that this work can bring.
And as we face the emergence of myriad complex threats to our national interests and see what is happening on Europe’s eastern borders, it is clear that the health, sustainability and strength of our Defence Forces is a question of fundamental national importance.
In this context, the Report of the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces makes for stark reading and raises the most profound issues.
Established at the beginning of last year to examine issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination arising from a series of very serious allegations, the Chairperson and her team have performed a vital service.
They have pulled no punches.
Their work and their report is a watershed moment for our Defence Forces.
The IRG-DF has compiled a comprehensive account of the culture and work environment that exists within the Defence Forces in 2023.
And to be frank, notwithstanding the work of the very many good people who serve, this Report makes clear that the culture and work environment that exists within the Defence Forces in 2023, is simply and entirely unacceptable.
Bullying, misogynistic behaviour, and any form of sexual misconduct have no place in any workplace in this country.
While this report addresses both men and women’s experience, the experience of many women, in particular, within the Defence Forces has been appalling.
At one point, the Report summarises, “Women are viewed as occupying a low status in the Defence Forces.”
The Report records this fact in very straightforward and sometimes harrowing terms.
Wrongs that were done to both men and women were then compounded by the internal complaints process.
Again to quote the Report, “Respondents cited making a complaint as being career ending, and reported experiencing intimidation and acts of retaliation when they did make a complaint.”
Elsewhere, the Report concludes, “the IRG-DF’s analysis reveals a workplace where self-worth and value are negated and disrespect is a dominant feature in an organisation resistant to change.”
Today I say, resistance to change is no longer an option, and will not be tolerated.
As Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, I am absolutely determined and fixed in my view that this Report must be and will be the Catalyst for the transformation of Ireland’s Defence Forces.
Today is a very challenging day for our Defence Forces. I understand that. But it can also mark a New Start.
This morning, the government agreed a series of far reaching proposals.
We have agreed to publish the Report in full, without delay.
We have agreed to establish a statutory inquiry into how complaints were handled, and I will bring terms of reference to Government shortly.
We have agreed the immediate establishment of a new External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces to oversee and ensure the implementation of the recommendations in the Report.
We have agreed to quickly develop legislation:
We have agreed a non-statutory inquiry into the process of ‘medical boarding’ and also a study of deaths by suicide of both current and former members of the Defence Forces over the last twenty years.
And we have agreed that I will now commence a significant programme of reform and culture change within the Defence Forces, with the support of newly appointed external expertise.
This will run alongside implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
To those who expressed some scepticism around this Review, I want to say this: I understand why you’re sceptical.
Indeed the Report itself proves the validity of that scepticism.
But I hope that with its publication and the decisions that the government has taken this morning, the good faith underpinning it and our determination to ensure real transformation is now clear.
One constant theme in all my engagements with Defence Forces personnel, both serving and retired, is the sense of pride they have in their mission and their role.
A completely honest appraisal of the problems that exist and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only acceptable way to honour their contribution and rebuild trust.
To those whose courage in coming forward prompted this review and all that will now flow from it, I want to thank you.
In particular I want to thank Women of Honour, Women and Men of Honour, and all those who came forward and made the difficult decision to share what happened to them.
I want you to know that your fortitude and personal bravery is genuinely appreciated.
Because of you, these problems are being confronted, fundamental change is coming, and the Defence Forces will be in a position to grow and thrive in the years and decades ahead.
I met with a range of groups yesterday and will continue that engagement in the time ahead.
These are people who care deeply about the Defence Forces.
Their work and their commitment will ensure that a career in the Defence Forces is one where every individual feels valued, respected and recognised for the positive contribution they are making to the country’s security.
And finally, to Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, and the members and secretariat of her Group; this was not an easy task.
But it was a massively important one.
As I have said already, your Report and recommendations will be the catalyst for transformation of our Defence Forces.
For that, future defence personnel and indeed the whole country, will be very grateful. In the meantime, I want to express my personal gratitude for your diligence, your clarity and your commitment.
As I said at the outset, there will be a full debate on the Report in Dáil Éireann later this week, but I am happy now to answer any questions you may have.