Press Release – Tuesday 28 March 2023
Publication of the Independent Review Group into the Defence Forces (IRG-DF) report
The Irish Defence Forces have now received a copy of the Independent Review Groups final report from An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D. The Independent Review Group, was established on 25 January 2022, to examine the effectiveness of policies and procedures in the Defence Forces for dealing with bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.
The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, commended the work of the Independent Review Group, under the Chair of Ms. Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon and welcomed the publication of this extremely significant report.
Lieutenant General Seán Clancy stated,
"The findings of this report are stark and we need to change. There is no place for any form of abuse, or failure to act on any form of inappropriate behaviour in the Defence Forces. It is contrary to our ethos and values and will not be tolerated. We are working tirelessly to ensure the Defence Forces is a workplace, where the pervading culture is underpinned by the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect and duty of care."
He added,
“My first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our serving members and we are fully committed to achieving the necessary cultural change in our organisation. I am confident and determined that we can deliver the transformation required to build a better Defence Forces for the future. We must and we will change”.
The General Staff of the Defence Forces accept the findings of this report and will now work with An Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D. and the Department of Defence to fulfil all of the approved recommendations.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lt Gen Seán Clancy’s short video message to serving Defence Forces personnel: https://youtu.be/MivfXOe0hcA
The Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lt Gen Seán Clancy’s long video message to serving Defence Forces personnel: https://youtu.be/jgH0gA4OVOs
Link to the Final IRG-DF Report: https://military.ie/en/public-information/publications/irg-defence-final-report-to-the-minister-for-defence.pdf
Link to the Final IRG-DF Report Appendices: https://military.ie/en/public-information/publications/irg-defence-final-report-to-the-minister-for-defence-appendices.pdf
