THE DEFENCE Forces has said the organisation had undergone “significant transformation” of its workplace culture since the period referred to in a new book by former soldier Valerie O’Brien.
The non-commissioned officer (NCO) claimed in her book, In the Shadow of Men, that she was intimidated, subjected to sexual harassment and frequently singled out because she was a woman.
On a tour of duty in Eritrea, she claimed she regularly witnessed Irish soldiers using prostitutes, sometimes refusing to pay them or paying them with a pizza or a chicken because they were destitute.
The Cork mother-of-two joined the Army in 1996 and left in 2007.
A statement released by the Defence Forces noted most of the issues raised in the book referred to the period up to the year 2002.
“A military police investigation, initiated from Ireland, took place into an incident in Eritrea and a number of personnel were charged and disciplined under the Defence Act 1954,” it stated.
In 2004, five soldiers were disciplined in connection with charges relating to sexual fraternisation with locals, while a sixth was found not guilty.
The Defence Forces said two reports by the Independent Monitoring Group had detailed the progress made by the Defence Forces in transforming its workplace culture.
It pointed to the appointment of an equality officer in 2004, and subsequent introduction of its equality policy. “Men and women have equality of opportunity for employment and career advancement on the basis of merit and ability,” it noted.
The Defence Forces said improvements had also been made to the complaints procedure, a confidential independent helpline was available to all members, and formal procedures for dealing with discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying had been reviewed and updated in line with international best practice.
It also pointed to the appointment of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces in 2005.
Concerning references to the conduct of Irish soldiers overseas, the statement noted the highest standards of behaviour were demanded from all personnel whilst on operational duty abroad.
“Prior to deployment on overseas service, all personnel undergo training and education in cultural awareness, gender-based violence and code-of-conduct issues. Failure to adhere to the code of conduct will result in personnel being the subject of disciplinary action.”
Ms O’Brien’s father and grandfather and ex-husband served in the Army, and she said she would support her two sons if they wished to pursue military life.
“If I ever have a daughter, though, I’m not sure I would encourage her to follow the same path,” she wrote in her book.
