President praises courage of women at center of Defense Forces abuse allegations

A examination of allegations out of intimidation as well as sexual assault inside any Defense Forces must become thorough, independent along with broad, stated President Michael D Higgins.

The president used his Defense Forces’ Value Awards speech on Tuesday up to express concern for certain retired women members belonging to certain organization whoever were featured in RTÉ’s recent documentary Women from Honor, whatever detailed triplet decades of alleged sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault along with intimidation within a Defense Forces.

Defense Minister Simon Coveney possesses since offered for meet with a women as well as announced single revised terms for an independent review on how those allegations are being handled.

Mr. Higgins of expressed concern “for a well-being out of the women who possess so generously plus courageously recounted belonging to them experiences out of any recent plus quite distressing Women out of Honor program”.

“Mine concern is, I comprehend, shared near to those what person have responsibility for a safety plus well-being from for us Defense Force personnel. I welcome each fact such per review shall now snatch spot on the content made from a program along with on any issue relating in order to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination within a Defense Forces.

“I hope each review will remain broad, in-depth, independent plus inclusive out of entire issues regardless belonging to gender.”

Inclusive workplace

Mr Higgins replied itself was vital who the Defense Forces seem each inclusive workplace “and such false barriers are not erected on a basis of gender, religion, sexual orientation otherwise Ethnicity “.

The President paid tribute to each seven recipients out of said year’s Securities Awards. Members from certain military own occurred known for risk belonging to them lives for save another, donating each organ and offering support in order to colleagues going via difficult times.

“Everyone who receives awards today includes shown that instinct for original thought, moral courage plus human solidarity, plus one impressive refusal in order to shy off via a challenges such characterize a exceptional human being. “

Mr Higgins too thanked Chief from Staff Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, whom is retiring this month, for his decades of service. “Male possesses occurred single loyal plus generous role model up to hence numerous people at Óglaigh na hÉireann, plus I know who everyone whoever owns had a privilege belonging to working with male desire remain sadly missed.”