Defence Forces abuse review
Mary Lou McDonald raised the review’s shocking findings on harassment, assault and rape in the Defence Forces. The Taoiseach said the response would be survivor-centred and chaired by a judge or retired judge, with engagement before terms of reference are set.
The independent review into violence and harassment in the Defence Forces published shocking findings yesterday, for example, that women were barely tolerated and many were subjected to harassment, bullying and assault, including rape. Decades on from some of these incidents, the devastating effects for women are still felt. We all agree that brave women who join our Defence Forces to serve our country proudly deserve to do their job safely and with dignity and their rights must be upheld and protected. I commend the Women of Honour and all survivors who bravely stood up to make their voices heard and ensure the truth came out.
I am happy to hear that the statutory inquiry will be judge led – that it is a welcome announcement – but there should be no delay. I want the Government to advance its position, set out a timeline, indicate the scope of the inquiry and, above all else, guarantee that it will be survivor led to ensure survivors' needs are at its heart.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. It will absolutely be survivor centred and survivor led, but it will be chaired by a judge or retired judge. Very simply, the timeline is as soon as possible. In fairness to the Tánaiste, though, he wants to engage with the people most affected by this before coming up with terms of reference and committing to a timeline. I think that is only reasonable. There certainly will not be any delay due to a lack of urgency or political will, but it is important we engage with all of those whom we need to take part in this to make sure it is done and done well.