Women of Honour: Nothing less than statutory inquiry into Defence Forces abuse was ever appropriate

Women of Honour member Diane Byrne, a former Irish Defence Forces officer, at Government Buildings on Tuesday. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Victims of sexual and physical abuse in the Defence Forces have welcomed a decision to hold a statutory inquiry into the “appalling” abuse they suffered.

A review into allegations of brutal and “sadistic” abuse, including the rape of both male and female soldiers, recommended a “statutory fact-finding process”.