Kildare TD and Senators react to damning report into Defence Forces

The findings of a recent report into the Irish Defence Forces’ (DF) treatments of female members have been slammed by local representatives.

The Independent Review Group’s report published last week found that almost 90 per cent of female respondents said they had experienced some form of sexual harassment while serving with the DF.

Commenting on the matter before the Dáil, Independent TD Dr Cathal Berry, who was a deputy commander in the Irish Army’s Ranger Wing, commended the Women of Honour (WOH) group and told Tánaiste Michéal Martin that he welcomed the report.

Dr Berry pointed to two commitments listed within it: that there was a need for a judge-led standard enquiry, and that there should be an external oversight body implemented.

He said: "People are in disbelief, they are in a state of collective shock, and they feel hugely, hugely let down (by the DF).

"A lot of people say that they do not recognise the organisation being described, and that it wasn’t their experience, and that they are devastated at a response."

He also told the Tánaiste that there was a need for change, and said that the DF is 'hyper-sensitive' to criticism and 'is obsessed with (public) image.'

Dr Berry also put forward the following question while speaking to the Leinster Leader following the Dáil session: "A big question for me is why successive Ombudsmen for the Defence Forces did not flag this over the last few years?

"Because a pattern of problematic behaviour is certainly not obvious from their annual reports, even though their office was established precisely to record and deter such incidents."

He added: "Almost everyone accepts that there were failings in the past... the key question for me is whether or not such toxic and criminal behaviour is continuing."

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin also said that she welcomed the report, which she referred to as 'a watershed moment': "Following engagements with the Tánaiste, I know that he, as I am, is determined this report will be a catalyst for transformation within Ireland’s Defence Forces."

She also praised the WOH group for coming forward, and added: "Work on cultural change and on restoring confidence in the Defence Forces workplace must begin today. 

"We need to redouble our efforts to ensure that the litany of unacceptable behaviour identified throughout this report and the culture which ignores or facilitates this behaviour are consigned to history."

'A NATIONAL SCANDAL'

Labour defence spokesperson, Senator Mark Wall, also weighed in on the report: he said that the review into the culture of gender-based violence, harassment and bullying in the DF 'is devastating and demands immediate and profound changes within the Forces.'

Similar to Senator O'Loughlin and Dr Berry TD, Senator Wall praised the WOH for coming forward, and referred to the event as being 'nothing short of a national scandal.'

"It has taken over 15 months since these women came forward with their experiences for a review to be published which in itself is disgraceful," he said: "There can be no further delay in improving the conditions in the Force and changing the culture."

The Athy-based Senator continued: "The inquiry must be up and running before the Oireachtas rises for the summer to ensure justice and progress for all members of the Force.

"The issue of recruitment and retention in the Force has been well played, but is it any wonder that only 44 women joined the Force in 2021 given the scale of the culture crisis?

"To read the level of misogyny perpetuated at every level within the Defence Forces is utterly depressing."

He concluded: "There must be accountability now within the Defence Forces to ensure that the culture of misogyny, harassment and bullying is wiped out once and for all."

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by contacting Women's Aid at 1800 341 900.

Additionally, you can email Samaritans Ireland at jo@samaritans.ie or ring 116 123, or visit the Rape Crisis Centre at drcc.ie.