Óglaigh na hÉireann welcomes and fully supports the announcement made by Minister Coveney this morning that an independent review will be established to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Óglaigh na hÉireann would like to commend the bravery of the women who recently came forward and recounted their negative experiences while serving in the Defence Forces. As an organisation, all incidents of harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination are treated with the utmost seriousness and the Defence Forces share the deep concern about the allegations made.
Óglaigh na hÉireann welcomes and fully supports the announcement made by Minister Coveney this morning that an independent review will be established to examine current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues such as harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Seán Clancy (Chief of Staff designate) said "Óglaigh na hÉireann will continue to fully support, facilitate and co-operate with any review or investigation to address all of the issues raised in the recently broadcast RTE documentary. Members of our organisation have the right to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and we are committed to ensuring that all personnel are provided with a safe working environment".
Óglaigh na hÉireann has come a long way since the 'The Challenge of a Workplace' report in 2002 and has adopted recommendations from the Independent Monitoring Group in 2004, 2008 and 2014. Our procedures are designed to deliver a ‘preventative approach’ to negative behaviour and while Óglaigh na hÉireann continually strives to improve, we fully recognise that further progress and work is required to ensure that incidents of harassment, sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination are identified and fully investigated.
Óglaigh na hÉireann will continue to work with the veteran's associations, providing the required supports to retired victims of any alleged offences. Óglaigh na hÉireann is committed to being an employer of choice on the island of Ireland and will continue to prioritise the safety of our members whilst serving at home and overseas by implementing the necessary measures and reforms deemed necessary to achieve this.
ENDS
