Earlier this week, RTÉ broadcast the testimony of a number of extremely brave women who, in the service of the armed forces, suffered decades of sexual abuse, bullying and discrimination. These women have sought justice from within the Defence Forces but they said they met with systemic resistance every step of the way.

In 2017, a protected disclosure that detailed bullying, sexual abuse, victimisation and discrimination was sent to the then Fine Gael Minister for Defence. I understand no action has been taken. Shockingly, the current Minister for Defence, Deputy Coveney, has never met with the representatives of Women of Honour. This is incredible. Will the Taoiseach meet these representatives? Will he provide an amnesty to all those who have suffered sexual abuse, harassment or discrimination in the Defence Forces in order that they can tell their stories anonymously so that we can truly understand the size of this problem? Will he commission an independent and external investigation into abuse, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces?

First of all, I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. Women of Honour emailed my office yesterday, requesting a meeting with me, which I will facilitate. The Minister for Defence is also facilitating a meeting and I believe there has been interaction and he had offered a date. That is my understanding. He will be meeting the representatives. All members of the Defence Forces have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment or bullying. We must facilitate the truth on this issue. I fully agree with the Deputy in that respect and I will do what I can to make sure that happens.