Ms FitzGerald was commissioned by the Department of Defence in May 2022 to look into allegations made in correspondence to the Department from retired sergeant Anthony O’Brien.

The report sought to establish whether the actions taken on foot of the correspondence were correct, having regard to the regulatory frameworks, policies and internal grievance systems in place.

It also set out to advise the minister whether the correspondence establishes evidence of inappropriate sexual behaviour within the Defence Forces during the time of the allegations, and to inform any other proper actions the minister could take.

Tánaiste and defence minister Micheál Martin said: “There is zero tolerance of any sexual abuse in the Defence Forces, and any allegations should be thoroughly investigated.

“I have agreed to adopt the recommendations outlined in the report. Anyone who has made allegations of a sexual offence to a superior, that have not been followed up, should contact the military authorities and Gardai directly.”

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy added: “Since I became Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, the safety and wellbeing of our personnel has and will remain my priority.

“I wish to state in the strongest terms possible, there is no place for any form of abuse or failure to act on any form of inappropriate behaviour in the Defence Forces.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that Óglaigh na hÉireann is a work environment, where the pervading culture is underpinned by the principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect.”