Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin has confirmed there will now be a full State inquiry

The country’s two military representative associations were responding to the Independent Review Group report

Centres on allegations of sexism, bullying, sexual assault, and rape raised by members of the Women of Honour group of serving and ex-serving women in the Defence Forces

Tánaiste stated that if the independent review group recommends a statutory inquiry, he said he would adhere to it — if the Cabinet agrees to all the recommendations

Inquiries which are kept “within these walls” can be accused of failing the test of openness.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin is to meet the group on Monday in a move branded a "PR stunt" by the Women of Honour, who say they won't see the report until after it goes to Cabinet

It comes as the Women of Honour group, made up of female members of the forces, said it has received no update since the establishment of an independent review group (IRG) into its claims

Number of allegations ranging from sexual assault to inappropriate behaviour rises to 18 

The Women of Honour group have renewed calls for an inquiry amid further allegations that an army officer tried to grope a female soldier following a gathering in the summer of 2020.

The group of politicians have told the Taoiseach that a "systemic resistance" within the Defence Forces must also be examined.