Inequality issues for women in the Defence Forces must be addressed, says Chief of Staff
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The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Seán Clancy has acknowledged there is a problem with inequality for women in the Defence Forces and it needs to be addressed.
The Lieutenant General was responding to the report by the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The report was hard-hitting and blunt, he said, but he welcomed it “wholeheartedly”.
Lieut Gen Clancy described the report as “clear and stark”, and said “business as usual is not good enough” and that “the people of Ireland deserve better”.
A light had been shone on the negatives “and there are many” within the Defence Forces, he added, but there were also “some positives” such as the public’s trust in the forces.
Lieut Gen Clancy said he was "looking forward" and was very motivated to implement the changes recommended in the report.
When asked if he would encourage his own daughter to join the Defence Forces, he said he would. There were many “fine people” in the organisation.
“The vast majority” of people who served had “good, positive experiences”, he told RTÉ radio’s .
There were gaps and serious failings within the Defence Forces, he said.
“But we know what they are, the commission calls them out in a stark way.”