Government set to reveal name of judge who will chair Defence Forces abuse tribunal
Historic allegations of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct have dogged the Defence Forces
The government will soon reveal the name of judge set to chair the Irish Defence Forces abuse tribunal.
The announcement follows the report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) last year, after which An Tánaiste Michéal Martin, who is also the Minister for Defence, committed to setting up an inquiry to investigate whether there have been systemic failures in the complaints system within the Defence Forces.
The IRG made 13 significant recommendations, and since publication of its report a number of measures have been introduced.
Terms of reference for a new judge-led Tribunal of Inquiry will be brought to the government for approval by the Tánaiste.
He will also ask Cabinet to approve the nomination of a judge to be the chair of the upcoming tribunal, which will examine at how the Defence Forces dealt with complaints of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, along with the marginalisation of complainants and the disbelief of victims, along and denials of promotion.
It is understood that the tribunal’s office will be based in Dublin 7, possibly in Smithfield, and the final report and any interim reports of the Tribunal will be presented to An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
The new chair is expected to be named after Cabinet today.