Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
192. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence to detail the work she has carried out to investigate and tackle misogyny in the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54225/26]
View answerThe report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces made a number of recommendations aimed at improving behaviour in the workplace in the Defence Forces. This included establishment of a statutory fact-finding process to investigate whether there have been serious failures in the complaints system in the Defence Forces in relation to interpersonal issues including, but not limited to sexual misbehaviour.
The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established in 2024, to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces concerning workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. It will also investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Tribunal commenced its public hearing phase on 3 June 2026.
One of the first actions taken following the publication of the Independent Review Group report was the establishment of the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces (EOB) in April 2023, initially on a non-statutory basis. The Body was established on a statutory basis from 1 December 2024. The Body oversees and monitors the management of human resources by the Defence Forces and is a critical element in driving and achieving the goal of culture change throughout the Defence Forces.
The report of the Independent Review Group also recommended that serving members of the Defence Forces have access to an independent, external complaints service, delivered by a professional service provider, for as long as it takes to put a trusted internal system in place.
In April 2025, a new independent and external grievance system that deals with complaints of an interpersonal nature of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace, was made available to serving members of the Defence Forces (both PDF and RDF). This new process, led by Mr. Kevin Duffy, former Chair of the Labour Court, is available on an initial pilot basis. A review of the process, which has been in operation for 12 months has commenced. The review will inform the primary legislation required to establish a suitable complaints process for serving members of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis.
The Defence Act 1954, has been amended to provide that the Garda Síochána have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law.
With the assistance of an external legal firm, extensive work is underway to ensure that the Defence Forces are compatible with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
The Defence Forces have continued to implement policies and actions aimed at ensuring a diverse, inclusive and positive working environment.
The Defence Forces Inclusion Office is led by a Senior Gender, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisor at Colonel level.
Most recently the Defence Forces Inclusion Office launched the Inclusive Language guidelines. The Defence Forces Inclusion Office has also recently tendered for a Gender Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training programme to be delivered across the organisation using a remote learning platform.
Sexual Ethics and Responsible relationships (SERR) training workshops continue to be delivered across the Defence Forces. This training addresses misogyny and also consent in relationships. The workshops are mandatory and so far, more than 3,000 members of the Defence Forces have completed this training.
New entrants to the Defence Forces, as part of induction training, undergo the Culture and Behaviours table of instruction which includes the SERR workshop, The Dignity Charter, psychological safety and the Defence Force’s Zero Tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour.
There is no place for misogyny or any form of disrespect of gender in the Defence Forces. I am committed to ensuring that the transformation of culture in the Defence Forces, which is well underway, will continue to be a primary focus for delivery.
