21 Army bully probes
Intimidation, bullying and harassment reports have doubled in Defence Forces
THERE have been 21 complaints of bullying, intimidation and harassment made within the Defence Forces over the last two years, with two sexual crimes also alleged.
Figures released to the Irish Daily Mail reveal that there was one sex crime reported to the Military Police last year and one in 2016.
Of the cases of bullying, intimidation and harassment, 14 were reported in 2016 and seven in 2017. Of the cases reported in 2016, eight have since been closed, while six investigations are ongoing.
And of the seven incidents or allegations that were made in 2017, five have been closed while two investigations are ongoing.
The one crime of a sexual nature which was reported in 2017 to the Military Police – which operates within the Defence Forces – has been closed as the ‘investigation is complete’.
In 2014, five complaints of bullying and two of sexual misconduct were made, while in 2015, there were two complaints of bullying and none of sexual misconduct.
This information was supplied to the Mail through a Freedom of Information request.
However, the Defence Forces refused to release information about the ranks of the individuals involved, the gender of the complainants or the nature of the allegations, stating that the ‘information may identify members of the Defence Forces’. A spokesman for the Defence Forces told the Mail the ‘non-tolerance of unacceptable behaviour is stressed to all members of the Defence Forces’.
They said there are ‘robust procedures’ in place within the Defence Forces to deal with such issues and that a 24-hour care line with direct access to counsellors is available to all personnel within the organisation.
The spokesman said: ‘All members of the Defence Forces are subject to both civil and military law. Any complaints made are fully investigated bearing in mind the need for due process which requires fairness to all parties.
‘In addition, through the induction process and general notifications, the non-tolerance of unacceptable behaviour is stressed to all members of the Defence Forces. There are also robust procedures in place for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment, harassment and bullying which are set out in Defence Forces regulations. Members of the Defence Forces can also avail of Personnel Support Services (PSS) which provide information, assistance and counselling on a range of matters including interpersonal problems.’
PDFORRA, a union representing permanent Defence Forces members, also provides support to those who experience such incidents. A spokesman said: ‘PDFORRA provides comprehensive support to its members who experience bullying or harassment. In the foregoing regard, PDFORRA also engages with the Department and military management on a regular basis in an effort to improve lines of complaint, and have any complaints addressed in a timely and efficient manner.’