Defence Forces inquiry into workplace abuse is formally established

A tribunal into bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment within the Defence Forces will hold an opening session on Monday.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin signed a statutory instrument to establish the tribunal on Thursday.

It will 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 judge-led tribunal follows an independent report into a range of such allegations as well as the culture of the Defence Forces.

The report also found that members were aware of long-standing practices of reprisals, including pejorative comments and withholding of entitlements as well as physical assaults and unfounded accusations being sent to gardai.

The tribunal will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps’ headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.

It will deliver its opening statement at a public sitting in Dublin on Monday.

Mr Martin, who is also defence minister, said on Thursday: “The establishment of this tribunal of inquiry, along with increased levels of investment, is another important step in the renewal of our Defence Forces as a rewarding career where every individual feels valued.

“Following approval of the terms of reference by both Houses of the Oireachtas, the statutory instrument I signed today now formally establishes the tribunal.

“I want to wish the Honourable Ms Justice Ann Power every success in her role as chair and I look forward to the tribunal issuing its guidance for anyone who wishes to take part in this important process.”

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces welcomed the announcement.

In a statement, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: “The Defence Forces is fully committed to co-operating with the Tribunal and the Honourable Ms Justice Ann Power in the course of her work and I fully expect that the inquiry will determine the extent of the issues brought to light in the IRG-DF report.”

He added: “Since being appointed, I have made it abundantly clear there is no place for any form of abusive behaviour in the Defence Forces.

“We are working tirelessly to redesign our grievance procedures and HR policies, rolling out mandatory sexual ethics and respectful relationships workshops and holding people to account for misconduct and misbehaviour.

“Change is under way and updated policies will be underpinned by the principles of mutual respect, dignity and equality.”

The Defence Forces now pass all complaints of alleged sexual offences in the State directly to An Garda Siochana for investigation.

It has developed mandatory sexual ethics and responsible relationship workshops in co-operation with UCC and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

It has also rolled out mandatory gender biversity and unconscious bias training to all staff.

The Women of Honour support group for former and current Defence Force members welcomed the tribunal.

In a statement it said: “While the Government tried to offer us half measures, like independent review groups, we fought from the beginning for a statutory tribunal of inquiry and while it has been too long coming, we hope it will finally get to the truth.

“We have already begun work in preparation for the tribunal and we would urge present and former members of the Defence Forces to come to us so their personal testimony statements can be a core part of the tribunal.

“It’s essential everyone takes this opportunity to tell their story, in a structured, protected and legally represented environment as otherwise the pervasive culture of abuse, concealment and destruction of people’s emotional wellbeing will continue in the Defence Forces.

“This tribunal process is potentially the most significant investigative opportunity to promote the essential cultural change required within the Defence Forces.”

An allocation of 3.6 million euro has been provided to the Defence Vote in relation to the tribunal in the estimates for 2024, with further allocations for subsequent years to be agreed in the annual process.