A TRIBUNAL TO examine how the Defence Forces handles complaints of bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct has been established.

The inquiry, which is a key recommendation of the Independent Review Group report, will be chaired by Ms Justice Ann Power

Taoiseach Simon Harris said it’s an important step in making the Defence Forces “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.”

A report into bullying and abuse in the Defence Forces was published in March 2023.

It detailed a raft of structural failures in the organisation in its treatment of female members and in how it responds to allegations of bullying, harassment and abuse.

It examined historical issues within the forces but also noted that there has been an increase in bullying and harassment in the Defence Forces in recent years.

In a stark paragraph around the subject of misogyny in the Defence Forces the report found: “Different sources available to the IRG-DF conclude that, at best, the Defence Forces barely tolerates women and, at its worst, verbally, physically, sexually and psychologically abuses women in its ranks.”

There were also findings of assaults during training in which military personnel were kicked during exercise and assaulted in shower facilities. 

A tribunal was due to be established by last Autumn.

‘Too long coming’

The Women of Honour, the support group for former and current female Defence Force members who allege they were abused in the military, welcomed the establishment of the tribunal in a statement. 

“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,” the statement read. 

The group said they have already begun work in preparation for the tribunal and urged present and former members of the Defence Forces to come to them so that 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 well-being will continue in the Defence Forces,” the statement continued.

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

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Seán Clancy also welcomed the announcement of the tribunal.

“The Defence Forces is fully committed to cooperating 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,” Clancy said.

He said that since being appointed, he has 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 underway and updated policies will be underpinned by the principles of mutual respect, dignity and equality.”