Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
131. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the tribunal of inquiry will publish its advice on legal representation for those wishing to engage with it, including the necessary information on assuming or defraying costs related to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28045/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department is acting with all necessary alacrity to engage with the Women of Honour at this stage of matters involving the tribunal, in particular in the matter of the funding of independent legal advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28320/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 142 together.
I signed the necessary Statutory Instrument to formally establish the Tribunal of Inquiry on 20 June 2024. The Tribunal will 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 will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
Ms. Justice Ann Power was appointed as the Sole Member of the Tribunal and delivered the Tribunal's Opening Statement at its first public sitting on Monday 24 June last. A transcript of this can be found on the Tribunal's website at at www.toidf.ie .
Decisions on the granting of legal representation are entirely a matter for the Tribunal and the application process is set out in the Rules of Procedure for the Tribunal which can also be found on the Tribunal's website. In this regard, the Rules of Procedure also address the issue of applications for costs.
