Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 May 2024
38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when engagement with a group (details supplied) can be expected from the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/24]
View answer39. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for Defence if he will report on the process involved in establishing the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/24]
View answer41. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the reason the Women of Honour have not been contacted to-date by the tribunal of inquiry into certain matters relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces; the reason for the delay in signing the statutory instrument; if his Department is prepared to give funding to the group on a parity basis with other support organisations to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24210/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39 and 41 together.
The Government recently approved the Terms of Reference for a Tribunal of Inquiry, pursuant to the provisions of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921 (as amended). The Tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
The Government also approved the appointment of Ms. Justice Ann Power to Chair the Tribunal.
The motions to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry were subsequently approved by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.
Arrangements are currently being finalised to allow the Inquiry to commence its work at the earliest possible date. This includes the appointment of legal and administrative staff to support the work of the Tribunal. A premises in Smithfield in Dublin has been provided by the Office of Public Works for the purposes of the Inquiry and a number of logistical matters are being finalised, including the development of a website for the Tribunal.
I will be signing a Statutory Instrument shortly to give effect to the formal establishment of Tribunal. Following this, I anticipate that the Tribunal will publish an opening statement containing general guidance for all persons who wish to engage with the Tribunal on matters that are relevant to its Terms of Reference. This would include information about how people can make submissions to the Tribunal. It will be a matter for the Tribunal to determine how it conducts its subsequent investigations. The Tribunal will also publicise details of how persons who wish to engage with and participate in the process may do so, and this will include matters relating to legal representation.
