Allegations of widespread bullying in the Defence Forces are over-exaggerated, TDs were told today.
During Questions in the Dail, Defence Minister Willie O'Dea said that since new complaints procedures were introduced only eight cases had come forward - five had been rejected, two were still under investigation and one upheld.
A confidential telephone line since 2003 had also received a small number of calls about harassment.
"I am aware of the allegations," the minister told independent TD Finian McGrath.
"Certainly we are all aware of the allegations in the newspapers but we do not believe everything we read in the newspapers."
Last December military police quizzed 40 Army recruits at McKee Barracks in Dublin after a member of their platoon alleged he was forced to eat food off a floor, that he was locked inside a locker and had personal possessions taken.
In April 2003 the Defence Forces were also given new guidelines after an external advisory group claimed bullying and harassment were significant problems.