13 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to end sexual harassment and bullying in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the thesis written by a person (details supplied) which details incidents of sexual harassment and assault suffered by female members of the Defence Forces. [24599/01]

43 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to end sexual harassment and bullying in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the thesis written by a person (details supplied) which details incidents of sexual harassment and assault suffered by female members of the Defence Forces. [21109/01]

57 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the steps which have been taken to investigate allegations of sexual harassment within the Defence Forces; the membership and terms of reference of the steering groups established to look into this problem; when the group is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24446/01]

89 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the steps he is taking to end sexual harassment and bullying in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the thesis written by a person (details supplied) which details incidents of sexual harassment and assault suffered by female members of the Defence Forces. [24701/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 43, 57 and 89 together.

The Defence Forces have had formal policies and procedures on sexual harassment and bullying in place since February 1996. These procedures are outlined in an administrative instruction on interpersonal relationships available to all members of the Defence Forces.

Lectures and briefings in this area have continued over the years as an integral element of the training syllabus on recruit, cadet and career courses, and in addition on those occasions when troops are formed up for overseas training.