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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cian O'Broin

Women of Honour group still awaiting independent review into Defence Forces

The Women of Honour (WoH) group has said it is still waiting for an independent report into alleged bullying, misogyny and violence within the Defence Forces.

Last year, the Minister for Defence established the Independent Review Group (IRG) comprised of independent external experts, to examine behaviours in the Defence Forces.

The goal was to make recommendations on measures to "underpin a workplace based on dignity and respect."

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"We have received no updates throughout the process," the WoH group said in a statement.

"It is well known that the WoH did not support the establishment of the IRG due to the lack of true independence and the tremendously flawed terms of reference," the group added.

Members stressed that little, if anything, of value has changed as they believe a comprehensive examination of the issues has not yet been undertaken.

"Instead, all of us affected, serving or otherwise, continue to wait for a report from a process that may have been nothing more than a waste of another year which has seen no changes, no resolutions and more victims," the WoH said.

According to the group, in the last year, a renewed sense of camaraderie has been created for those within the military, which stretches much further than the Defence Forces community.

"Instead, those who actually have these characteristics are more often than not destroyed for standing up for what is right," it was added.

In advance of the report, the WoH wants to recognise the extraordinary efforts of those who have engaged with the IRG this past year.

It said that members understand the extent of the commitment and work put into the submissions.

The group hopes that their shared goal of a victim-led, independent, agreed statutory process is recommended by the IRG so they can "finally move on to what really needs to be done."

"On a final note, the WoH would like to wish one of our members, Karina Molloy, all the best in her current personal venture, separate from the group, her book A Woman in Defence.

"This is her own account, we know it has taken great effort and commitment and we hope it brings her peace," a Women of Honour statement said.

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