Page 115 of the programme for Government refers to the Commission on the Defence Forces. It provides commitments that this commission will examine the governance of the Defence Forces and how they respond to members' needs. I commend and welcome the fact that the Secretary General and senior officials of the Department of Defence met the group of courageous women who are spearheading the Women of Honour campaign. I understand that an independent review body has been established and also that the Commission on the Defence Forces will have compiled a report by the end of December. I seek assurances from the Taoiseach, however, that if the scale of abuse conveyed by the women cannot be addressed in a review or a report, he will commit to a stand-alone inquiry?

The Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, met with the Women of Honour group and established the independent review. He also announced interim support measures for current and former members of the Defence Forces who have been affected by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. We have also had the appointment of a confidential contact person with whom members can raise concerns. This service will be available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and provide a safe place to support the report of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace.

To address the Deputy's question, I am not going to pre-empt the inquiry. The Women of Honour group deserves great credit. It has started a process of which an inquiry is the first step. We obviously have to consider the outcome and conclusions of that inquiry before the next step.