Simon Coveney 'absolutely believes' Women of Honour assault and harassment claims

(Left to right) Members of Women of Honour Diane Byrne, Karina Molloy and Yvonne O'Rourke.  Simon Coveney said: "I absolutely believe them and the respect, the sincerity and courage that it took to bring those stories forward." Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Simon Coveney says he "absolutely believes" the Women of Honour group who claim they were subjected to sexual assault and harassment while serving as members of the Defence Forces

The Minister for Defence was responding after being taken to task in the Dáil today over reports that women who reported abuse were cross-examined by their alleged abusers.