An in-house inquiry has initiated regarding claims of unseemly conduct by an upper-level official in the Defence Forces. The senior officer is reportedly accused of making unsuitable remarks towards a female coworker while they were both on an international assignment. He is said to have vehemently refuted these accusations and secured legal representation. He has not been suspended, which is consistent with standard procedures of Defence Forces.
The probe was instigated following a complaint submitted by the female Defence Forces personnel against the senior officer, relating to an incident from a while back. The Military Police have been brought in to spearhead the investigation. If substantiated, these allegations could potentially constitute a violation under military law. An initial evaluation, however, has determined that this is unlikely to become a matter under civilian law.
Subsequently, the issue is being dealt with internally instead of being transferred to the Garda for a deeper investigation – a provision as per the new rules introduced last year. The military officer under scrutiny has a long-standing career in the Defence Forces.
No further information or comment has been made available by a Defence Forces spokesman, citing the sensitivity of an ongoing investigation. The Defence Forces has had a multitude of allegations made against it over the recent years – many related to abuse, discrimination, and harassment, particularly involving female personnel.
In 2022, a group of retired female military personnel, known as the Women of Honour, brought a number of these allegations to light. Their actions prompted the Government to commission a report, titled the Independent Review Group report. The report revealed prevalent sexual harassment and bullying within the military, including accusations of sexual assault and rape.
Following the report’s release last year, the Government assured its commitment toward setting up a statutory inquiry led by Judge Ann Power. The comprehensive inquiry will possess the legal authority to mandate witnesses to testify. Besides grappling with the abuse allegations, the in-depth exploration will also scrutinize complaints related to hazardous handling of chemical materials within the Air Corps. However, the Women of Honour have voiced their concerns around the inquiry’s terms of reference, which prevent the examination of personal complaints.