The Government has approved the terms of reference for a Tribunal of Inquiry, led by Ms Justice Ann Power, which will look at how the Defence Forces deals with complaints of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, and other issues.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that the inquiry will be set up under the public inquiries act and follows comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders including the Women of Honour group.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting earlier, Mr Martin said the Government will seek the approval of the Oireachtas to formally establish the tribunal, and get work under way as early as possible this year.
The tribunal will examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces.
It will also have the power to investigate the response to complaints made regarding the use of hazardous chemicals within Air Corps' headquarters at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
Separately, in a further implementation of the IRG’s recommendations, the Tánaiste announced the appointment of Kevin Duffy as the independent Chair of a new Working Group to develop a complaints process for civilian employees and civil servants who work with the Defence Forces.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy welcomed the approval of the terms of reference and said the Defence Forces is "fully committed to cooperating with the Tribunal in the course of their work".
He said he fully expects that the inquiry will determine the extent of the issues brought to light in the report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) last year.
Lt Gen Clancy added that the Defence Forces is "working to redesign our grievance procedures and HR policies, rolling out mandatory Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships workshops and holding people to account for misconduct and misbehaviour.
"Change is under way and updated policies and procedures will be underpinned by the principles of mutual respect, dignity and equality."
After the publication of the IRG report, the Tánaiste committed to setting up a statutory inquiry to investigate if there have been systemic failures in the complaints system within the Defence Forces.
Since then, there has been extensive consultation with the Attorney General and key stakeholders such as the Women of Honour along with other representative groups to develop the terms of reference.
The tribunal's office will be based in Dublin 7 and the final report and any interim reports will be presented to the Taoiseach by Ms Justice Power.
Some changes have already been introduced, including a new law to give gardaí sole jurisdiction to investigate alleged sexual offences committed within Ireland by personnel covered by military law.
The Tánaiste will also bring forward legislation to establish an independent external complaints system.
An external oversight body has been established to drive culture change, increase transparency and accountability within the Defence Forces.
Additional reporting Colman O'Sullivan
