Francis Meenan SC

Ms Meenan was appointed in 2020 to examine a whistleblower’s allegations concerning the conduct of training in the cadet school and make recommendations.

Her report was completed over a year ago but has not been published because interviewees “were assured of confidentiality”, the Department of Defence said.

However, the government has now published her 30 recommendations, which span areas including protective disclosures, policies in relation to employment equality and bullying at work, training of instructors, discrimination against female cadets and social media policy.

An action plan in response to Ms Meenan’s report was put in place in March 2022 and was updated in September 2022 and again in February 2023.

Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste and minister for defence, said: “Although Frances Meehan SC has identified positive aspects to the systems and training environment in the cadet school, this report again points to the need for transformation in culture, regulation and practices within the Defence Forces.

“I thank those who came forward and made the recommendations made by Frances Meenan SC possible.

“I want a career in the Defence Forces to be one where every individual feels valued, respected and recognised for the positive contribution they are making to the country’s security.

“The government as a whole, the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces Chief of Staff are committed to delivering this change.”