The Minister for Defence has said that his department has asked to meet with the Women of Honour group in relation to an independent review into allegations of bullying and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces.
Simon Coveney was speaking after a statement was released by the group yesterday, which said that the Government's draft terms of reference into the review was "shocking".
"We have been consistent in our requirements for a full investigative process and have made the Minister privy to our members' details which are associated with circumstances that indicate a very clear requirement for such a full investigation," the group said.
Earlier this year, a 'Women of Honour’ documentary broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 contained allegations of rape, sexual assault, harassment and discrimination against female members of the Defence Forces.
Mr Coveney has said that he was committed to an independent review of allegations of abuse in the Defence Forces and that his department was working with a number of bodies to establish terms of reference for such an inquiry.
Speaking in Brussels, the Minister said: "The terms of reference haven't been finalised, so we've asked to meet the Women of Honour again at the department.
"This process that we've embarked upon was triggered initially by the bravery of the Women of Honour in coming forward and telling their stories."
He said an independent review and the chair of the body had yet to be finalised, along with its terms of reference.
Mr Coveney also said that he was not ruling out an investigation into individual cases.
