The Tanaiste’s refusal to intervene in a looming deadline for the Defence Forces Tribunal is “disgraceful and a complete cop-out”, a representative group has said.
It comes after the Women of Honour group asked Micheal Martin and Taoiseach Simon Harris to “step up” and provide further assurances to personnel who may want to engage with the Tribunal of Inquiry.
The tribunal was established to investigate bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment within the Defence Forces.
Women of Honour wants the deadline for submission of statements to be extended beyond close of business on Monday.
The group says it has been contacted by several serving and retired Defence Forces personnel who want to take part in the tribunal but have said “fear, mistrust and the lack of psychological supports are affecting their decision to participate”.
Asked on Monday if he would act to extend the deadline, Mr Martin said he was in not charge of the independent tribunal.
“I can’t get in involved in the tribunal. The chair determines how the tribunal works.
“It is open to the groups through their legal representatives to make an appeal or a representation to the chair seeking an extension.
“But I’m very clear once the tribunal is established – for good reason – I can’t interfere in the operation and work of the tribunal.”
In a statement to the PA news agency, Women of Honour said: “While we fully appreciate it is not appropriate for the Tanaiste to get involved in the tribunal, as Minister of Defence he has a huge responsibility to the serving and retired members of the Defence Forces.
“To suggest his responsibility to those too terrified or too distrustful to take part ended with the commencement of the tribunal is disgraceful and a complete cop-out.
“Many of the most seriously affected people are not coming forward because of the Tanaiste’s direct failure to put in place appropriate psychological supports.
“We, the Women of Honour are doing the best we can for as many people as possible with no resources and only the unfulfilled promises of the Government to assist us.”
The tribunal has been contacted for comment.