Retired High Court judge Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon was appointed in January 2022 to chair the independent review group, which also includes businesswoman Jane Williams of Sia Partners and distinguished barrister Mark Connaughton SC.

In an update provided last Friday to then defence minister Simon Coveney, Ms Justice O’Hanlon said the group would submit its final report by the end of January.

Mr Coveney said: “It is clear from the monthly updates I received that the group have undertaken an extensive body of work, and with the support of their independent secretariat, have shown great commitment and dedication with regard to the terms of reference.

“As I have consistently said, this review is a critical first step in ensuring that members of the Defence Forces can undertake their duties in a workplace underpinned by dignity and equality with zero-tolerance for unacceptable behaviour.”

Micheál Martin replaced Mr Coveney as foreign affairs and defence minister on Saturday.