Terms of reference for Defence inquiry to go to Cabinet

The Tánaiste will bring the terms of reference for a new judge-led Tribunal of Inquiry to Government today, which will look at how the Defence Forces deals with complaints of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, and other issues.

Micheál Martin will ask Cabinet to approve the nomination of a judge to chair this tribunal.

Today’s decision follows the report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) last year.

It found that the Defence Forces had not made the changes needed to provide a safe working environment for its members.

After the publication of the IRG report, the Tánaiste committed to setting up a statutory inquiry to investigate if there have been systemic failures in the complaints system within the Defence Forces.

Since then, there has been extensive consultation with the Attorney General and key stakeholders such as the Women of Honour along with other representative groups to develop the Terms of Reference.

The Tribunal’s office will be based in Dublin 7 and the final report and any interim reports be presented to the Taoiseach by the judge leading the tribunal.

Some changes have already been introduced including a new law to give gardaÍ sole jurisdiction to investigate alleged sexual offences committed within Ireland by personnel covered by military law.

The Tánaiste will also bring forward legislation to establish an independent external complaints system.

An External Oversight Body has been established to drive culture change, increase transparency and accountability within the Defence Forces.