Defence Forces to probe bullying claims

The Defence Forces have confirmed that an internal inquiry will be carried out into allegations of widespread bullying and harassment of female officers.

The move follows a report compiled by Dr Tom Clonan which said 59 out of 60 servicewomen questioned had experienced bullying or harassment as defined in Ireland’s health-and-safety legislation.

However, Dr Clonan has said the internal inquiry will not go far enough and an independent probe is the only way the Defence Forces can avoid being accused of a cover-up.