Dail Statement of Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD

Advisory: Check Against Delivery - Changes made on delivery

Independent Review Group Final Report

Dail Statement of Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD

30th March 2023

Ceann Comhairle ,

I thank the House for the very useful contributions to this debate. Having only published the report on Tuesday, I regarded it as particularly important that the Dáil had an early opportunity to discuss it.

As I pointed out earlier this week, the health, sustainability and strength of our Defence Forces is a question of fundamental national importance, and I appreciate the seriousness with which all of our public representatives are approaching the issue.

The work and Report of the Independent Review Group raises the most profound issues, and I am grateful to its Chair and members for the forthright manner in which the report is written and for the clarity of the findings and recommendations.

The value of the report is acknowledged by the widespread support for its recommendations and the universal reaction of shock and dismay at its content and conclusions.

People are understandably appalled that such unacceptable and appalling practices took place and continue today in such a vital arm of our State;

And indeed many thousands of serving and former members of the Defence Forces are disappointed and angry that the institution has been and continues to be let down by those who have behaved and continue to behave in such inappropriate and unacceptable ways.

Given the value of the report and the impact it is having, I am satisfied that establishing this Independent Review as a first scoping exercise, when these issues came to the fore in 2021, was the correct decision.

What’s important now is that we quickly build on it and a Statutory Inquiry is one of the logical and necessary next steps, examining how complaints have been dealt with.

I want to assure the House that I will bring forward Terms of Reference for this Inquiry as soon as possible, engaging with stakeholders in their preparation.

As I said in my initial response to the Report, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel.

It is the only way to rebuild trust.

In that spirit, I am clear that the Department of Defence must and will be included in the Terms of Reference for the Statutory Inquiry.

It is vitally important that all the stakeholders recognise that the transformation required, including this Statutory Inquiry, address the issues which are important to them.

I will engage with all stakeholders as soon as they have had the opportunity to consider the Report in detail.

We cannot ignore either the findings in the Mohan Report, published last week, which also point to the need for a complete reset in the Defence Forces culture, with regard to responsibility and accountability.

While the IRG report addresses both men and women’s experience and details some horrific abuse of both men and women, the experience of many women, in particular, within the Defence Forces has been truly appalling. 

To quote one line from the Report that has resonated far and wide, the Defence Forces, ‘barely tolerates women’.

At a time when it is recognised that we need more women in the Defence Forces, particularly at the higher ranks, such comments are hardly be more damaging. 

The conclusions with regard to discrimination, particularly with regard to maternity policies, are scarcely believable in the context of a modern workplace.

The report identifies the major volume of work that now needs to be done, but I want to also inform Deputies of some relevant work that is already being done.

The House is aware of Workplace Relations Commission recommendations on anti-discrimination law.  With the assistance of an external legal firm, extensive work is already underway to ensure that the Defence Forces are compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation and in line with the WRC direction. 

An associated but very relevant and important element of this body of work, is the area of maternity and protected leave policies. 

A number of policy documents, including regulatory amendments are to be submitted to me for consideration and approval very shortly.

As I made clear on Tuesday, resistance to change within the Defence Forces as identified by the IRG, is no longer an option.

As Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, I will simply not tolerate it.

I’ve directed that, with immediate effect, all allegations of sexual assault by serving members occurring in the State, are to be referred directly to An Garda Siochana for investigation and prosecution.

Part of the reason why this has gone on for so long has been the prevalence of a culture where victims did not feel empowered to speak up.

There is a clear and immediate need to remove the fear of reprisals and retaliation for making a complaint, which many people feel, would be ‘career-ending’.

I will be bringing forward legislation to establish an independent complaints system without delay. 

In the meantime, I have emphasised, and I want to reiterate it again, that serving members can submit their complaint directly to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, without having to submit themselves to internal processes first.

The development also, without delay, of a Retaliation Prevention Strategy with appropriate and robust sanctions will be another critical element in tackling and beating the culture of fear and silence where unacceptable behaviour is concerned.

Separately, the recommendations of the recent Commission on the Defence Forces are also important.

The Strategic Framework we are putting in place to drive these through will be an important enabling mechanism for delivery of the IRG’s actions. 

There have been many reports and plans in the past. 

But my priority now is to ensure that there is one Strategic Plan for the transformation of the Defence Forces, fully understood by everyone, that has the appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms, and is properly resourced.

I want progress to be seen internally, and to be reported externally.

Clear and irrefutable evidence of change on the ground is the only thing that will re-build the trust and confidence of serving members.

Our end goal has to be a safe workplace where self-worth is actively promoted and mutual respect becomes a dominant feature in an organisation which is open to change.

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 establishment of the External Oversight Body will be a critical element in achieving this goal, and I hope to update the House on progress with this in the very short term. 

Once this Body is established, I will then introduce legislation to put it on a statutory footing.

The implementation of the IRG’s recommendations will require a considerable and shared effort, not least on the part of the Defence Forces’ leadership and I’m confident following extensive discussions with the Chief of Staff that the scale of what is needed is understood. 

This week has been a very challenging period for the Defence Forces.  But for the good, professional people of integrity who do serve in the Defence Forces, it also marks a new start.

For the perpetrators of any form of unacceptable, misogynistic or bullying behaviour, this is the end of it.   It simply has to stop.

You have no place, and no future in Oglaigh na hÉireann.

Yesterday, I had the privilege to attend the Commissioning Ceremony of the members of the 98th Cadet Class and the 40th Air Corps Cadet Class.

I met and spoke to 41 young men and women of impeccable personal character and personal courage.

41 young men and women who have made the decision to pursue a career in the service and security of their country.

41 young men and women who pledged an oath that may require them to place themselves in harm’s way in the service of the State and its citizens.

As a Government, we have made it clear that we will make the unprecedented investment necessary to build a Defence Forces that is fit for purpose and worthy of their oath.

With the support of this House, we will pass the legislation necessary to ensure that the Defence Forces is the quality workplace they deserve.

But it is their personal leadership that will make the difference.

Our Defence Forces are and have been a key pillar of Irish life since before the foundation of our State.

They have been central to the presentation of our foreign policy in the world, and our record as a nation strongly committed to the rules-based international order.

And for almost seventy years, our military have made an honourable and internationally recognised contribution to United Nations peace keeping efforts.

When I think of those 41 graduates, and those that will come after them, I am hugely encouraged in the belief that their personal character and courage,

Their leadership and commitment, will help ensure that our Defence Forces will come through this crisis and that contribution the Defence Forces make can continue and excel in the years and the decades to come.

ENDS