Fórsa issued a communication to members in the Department of Defence last week, following the publication of the report of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces.

In a letter to members assistant general secretary Paul Moyer said the union is conscious that many Fórsa members working at the department work closely with military personnel and may have been affected by the practices highlighted in the report, which revealed “a pattern of unacceptable behaviour, misogyny, discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct within our Defence Forces.”

The report also said that out-of-date policies and procedures for tackling complaints are not fit for purpose.

Paul advised members that, if they’ve been affected directly by these issues, or aware of Fórsa member colleagues who have been affected, that the union is here to assist, advise and provide support.

Paul added: “The Minister has commented that the report is a watershed moment and is far-reaching, stark and shocking, and highlights a need for fundamental change. He further notes that the government will be accepting all of the recommendations contained in the IRG report.”

The recommendations in the report include:

• Establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with individual complaints, including sexual misconduct.
• Setting up an External Oversight Body to increase transparency and accountability; and to drive necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces;
• Urgently reforming the existing mechanisms for making a complaint to restore faith and trust in the complaints process.
• Preparing legislation to:-

• establish an independent complaints mechanism for serving members of the Defence Forces;
• establish the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis; and
• amend the Defence Act, 1954 to allow all allegations of rape, or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

• a significant programme of reform and culture change delivered by external experts, with measures to eradicate reprisals and retaliation, and develop new policies on gender, inclusion and diversity.

You can access the full report HERE.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.