Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026

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Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (233, 234)

Gillian Toole

Question:

233. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Defence where no formal complaints procedure has been adopted by the Defence Forces Tribunal, the procedure by which complaints already received, or received in the future, concerning the Tribunal’s administration, procedures, services, legal team or treatment of complainants and victim-witnesses are to be acknowledged, recorded, independently examined and determined; the person or office responsible for each stage; the standards and time limits applicable; and whether written reasons and an internal or independent review mechanism are available. [68397/26]

Gillian Toole

Question:

234. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Defence whether the Tribunal of Inquiry into Issues Relating to the Complaints Processes in the Defence Forces and the Culture Surrounding the Making of Complaints has adopted a formal written procedure for receiving, registering, investigating and determining complaints concerning the tribunal’s own administration, procedures, services, legal team or treatment of persons engaging with it; and the date on which any such procedure was adopted and where it has been published. [68394/26]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

The Defence Forces Tribunal of Inquiry (‘Tribunal’) was established by Statutory Instrument on 20 June 2024, (S.I. 304 of 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.  The Tribunal also has the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

The Tribunal is entirely independent in its functions. Decisions on the Tribunal's internal administrative and governance arrangements, including any procedures for handling complaints concerning its staff, legal team or services, are entirely a matter for the Tribunal.

Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 233.

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