Irish Examiner view: The Women of Honour are correct — only a statutory inquiry will suffice

A State inquiry could help bring about meaningful, positive change in the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence

The Independent Review Group report revealed a litany of abuses within the Defence Forces. Stock picture

The revelations this week about the sheer extent of abuse in the Defence Forces were shocking. The findings of an independent review group listed issues of sexual abuse and misconduct which suggested a toxic working environment — one so dysfunctional, in fact, that it looked in need of that reliable old solution: root-and-branch reform.

The sense that sweeping change is needed hardened even further with the comments of Defence Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, who said he was unaware of abuse and sexual assaults against members of the military during his almost 40-year career.