Indefensible

Report states sexist' attitudes & bullying common  | Senior officers abused their rank and authority | Martin admits feeling 'disgust' at the findings

- LOUISE BURNE

 A "STATUTORY fact-finding process" will be established after a review of allegations of sexual abuse, gender-based violence and rape in the Defence Forces.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he felt a "degree of disgust" when he read the findings.

The Independent Review Group report into the stories of the Women of Honour said "neither men nor women in the Defence Forces work in a safe working environment".

It stated there was a "consistent and embedded theme" that saw "some members of management abuse their positions of power in their treatment of subordinates".

The report found: "Patriarchy, access to women's bodies, viewing women as sexual objects and the belief that seniority brings 'privileges and protection' are attitudes that are supported by the notions about gender from the last century, or before that.

"They have no place in a modern Irish workplace.

"The reality of modern Irish workplaces and attitudes among younger people around gender roles, family and work appear to be unfamiliar to many in the Defence Forces, with the absence of concepts like consent and respect.

"This impacts on men as well as women in the Defence Forces.