Simon Coveney has said he will set up an external review into allegations of rape, sexual assault and bullying in the Defence Forces.
Minister Coveney met with members of the Women of Honour group on Tuesday and described the meetings as “emotional and difficult.”
He also met with current female members of the Defence Forces.
He apologised to the women but also said a formal apology will follow.
Speaking after the meetings, Minister Coveney said: “The issues they have raised are of the utmost seriousness and need to be addressed in the most comprehensive way possible.
“It is clear to me, the Chief of Staff Designate and the Secretary General that there are very strong views from both meetings that the culture that is pervading and the application of the current policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault have not and are not serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
“I would like to say sorry to anyone who has suffered during their time in the Defence Forces and assure them The State will now urgently carry out an Independent Review.”
He said an independent review will be undertaken by external and “entirely independent and unbiased experts in this field.”
He said he will bring this final report to the Government.
Retired army captain and member of the Women of Honour group, Diane Byrne said Minister Coveney had apologised to them.
Speaking to RTÉ on Tuesday she said: "We've all experienced various different things over the years and for that to be swept under the carpet in this day and age is absolutely outrageous.”
On Monday night, another woman who served in the Defence Forces provided details of a sexual assault she suffered while a Junior Commissioned Officer on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live show.
The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, told broadcaster Katie Hannon that she was raped by a fellow officer who came into her room and into her bed while she was asleep after attending a social event at a barracks.
The investigation which followed further traumatised her and she had to live in the same barracks as the officer who raped her.
She was also put through a cross examination by the man who assaulted her.
Minister Coveney added: “I know from my discussions today that you are seeking change to ensure that the Defence Forces of the future is a place where inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated and where all individuals, both female and male, can reach their full potential.”
