Defence Forces Review seeks submissions from those claiming they were abused

The Independent Review Group set up to examine allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces is now accepting submissions from those who claim they were abused.

The group said the submissions will form an important input to its final report, which will be submitted to the Minister for Defence Simon Coveney within a year.

The Independent Review Group has set up a website where further information on the request for submissions, including the group’s terms of reference, can be read.

The group was established by the Minister for Defence Simon Coveney after a number of former members of the defence forces, calling themselves the “Women of Honour” brought forward allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct. The group’s terms of reference do not confine the review to any one gender.

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According to the group’s terms of reference the aims of the review are:

– to advise the Minister on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective

– to independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces

– to provide recommendations and guidance to the Minister on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces

A draft report is to be delivered to Mr Coveney within six to nine months, and the final report is to be provided within 12 months. This may be reviewed based on the outcome of the draft Review Report. The final report and recommendations will be brought to Government by Mr Coveney.

Submissions can be made to the Independent Review Group by post at Independent Review Group, 27 Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Dublin 2 DO2 TP2, or through its website, gov.ie/irgdf, where details of how to make a submission are set out.

Those who would prefer to meet with the Group in person are invited to make contact by telephone on 01 539 3800 from March 21st, or email info@irgdf.gov.ie.

The closing date for receipt of submissions is April 4th, 2022.