Maeve O'Connell
Ceist:243. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to report on the development of a cultural change programme for the Defence Forces. [31784/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 June 2025
Ceisteanna (243)
Freagraí scríofa
It is just over two years since the publication of the Independent Review Group (IRG) report, which signalled the critical need for fundamental culture change in the Defence Forces. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society that is providing a safe workplace, where self-worth is actively promoted, where mutual respect becomes a dominant feature, where all members are treated with dignity, in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
This journey of transformation is ongoing and significant progress has been made to date which includes:
• An External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces was established in April 2023, initially on a non-statutory basis. The Body was established on a statutory basis from 1 December 2024. The Body is a critical element in driving and achieving the goal of culture change throughout the Defence Forces
• A Tribunal of Inquiry 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 introduction of an independent, external Grievance System that will deal with complaints of an interpersonal nature from serving members of the Defence Forces. The new process is now available to serving members of the Defence Forces for an initial 12 months trial basis. A review of the process at that stage will inform the primary legislation required to establish a suitable complaints process for serving members of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis.
• The proposal of the Working Group established to develop a complaints process for civilian employees and civil servants working who work with the Defence Forces has been accepted and is being progressed.
• In tandem with this, the Defence Forces are reviewing the current Redress of Wrongs procedure.
• All these processes form part of a wider review and redesign of the grievance management framework within the Defence Forces, which is aimed at building trust and confidence in complaints processes.
• Amendments to the Defence Act 1954, provide that the Garda Síochána have sole jurisdiction within the State to investigate alleged sexual offences committed by persons subject to military law.
• The Defence Forces has developed mandatory Sexual Ethics and Responsible Relationship (SERR) workshops in cooperation with UCC. These workshops are mandatory for all personnel to attend.
• 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 appointed a Senior Gender, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisor at Colonel level.
• There has been an extension of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks.
A number of supports are available for members of the Defence Forces who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace, including the Confidential Contact Person, within Raiseaconcern, the Personnel Support Service (PSS) in the Defence Forces and the Inspire counselling service.
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. Ensuring a safe and secure environment for members of our Defence Forces is a key priority of mine and this Government.