Inquiry into Defence Forces misconduct accusations not ruled out – Martin

A statutory inquiry into accusations of misconduct in the Defence Forces has not been ruled out, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

The Women of Honour group expressed disappointment after meeting Mr Martin on Monday that a review would go ahead rather than a statutory inquiry.

The women, made up of former Defence Force members who have detailed allegations of sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination, have been highly critical of the Government’s decision to set up a judge-led independent review.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Mr Martin said he has made it clear that a statutory inquiry has not been ruled out.

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“We have had examples in the past where scoping reviews provide effective,” he said.

“Eventually, if a Government does take a decision to go down that particular route, this will be important.”

He said the Women of Honour had been through “a lot of trauma” and are very clear that they want cultural change within the Defence Forces, in relation to assault, complaints made by women and the hierarchical nature of the force.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Women of Honour had been “left deflated and disappointed” following their meeting with Mr Martin.

"The group are absolutely correct in saying that the review proposed by Government is flawed and entirely unfit for purpose and their call for a statutory inquiry, an independent one, removed from the Department of Defence is warranted and in the best interests of truth and justice," she said.

“They say they tried to persuade you of this necessity, but you weren’t for turning and that’s most unfortunate.

These women have been to hell and back, and they cannot tolerate, will not tolerate a whitewash.”