The second round of Defense Force Tribunal hearings is due to begin at the end of October.
In a statement on its website, the tribunal said the second module of the hearing will focus on terms of reference one to five, which relate to grievance processes in the Defense Forces.
In particular, they cover whether the complaints process is fit for purpose and also identify systemic failures in the process.
The module will also examine the extent to which complaints were “actively suppressed and whether there was a culture that discouraged complaints of abuse.”
The module will hear testimony from those who say they have suffered “intimidation, retaliation or reprisal” for filing complaints of abuse.
Terms of reference six and seven still need to be addressed.
The sixth term addresses how the Secretary of Defense handled complaints of abuse, and the seventh term examines how the grievance process handled allegations of exposure of Air Corps personnel to toxic chemicals.
In a brief statement, the tribunal said the proceedings would begin on October 28 with opening statements by the tribunal’s senior counsel.
“This will be followed by testimony from witnesses, the order of which will be published on the Tribunal’s website prior to the hearing,” the statement said.
The tribunal is a three-year investigation into how complaints were handled in the Defense Forces from 1983 to 2024.
Its creation in June 2024 was a recommendation of the Defense Force Independent Review Group (IRG) Report, which detailed allegations including the rape of both male and female soldiers.
Those affected include Women of Honor, a group of current and former members whose allegations were featured in an RTÉ documentary by reporter Katie Hannon in 2021, prompting a review that led to the tribunal.
They also include members of the Army Apprentice School at Devoy Barracks, Naas, Co Kildare, and Air Corps personnel who were exposed to toxic chemicals without adequate personal protective equipment.
It is unclear whether the Women of Honor will take part in the upcoming public hearings.
As the Irish Examiner reported last month, the group is unlikely to take part due to ongoing delays in the High Court proceedings between them and the Ministry of Defence.
They are challenging the department’s decision to fund only the ongoing legal costs of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces, and not of victims of violence.
The women, whose legal team is due to appear in the High Court next month, are seeking permission for a judicial review of the department’s decision not to fund anyone’s ongoing legal costs.
Meanwhile, the tribunal’s chairman, Ms Justice Anne Power, is due to announce shortly whether witnesses can pay legal fees for the first module before the tribunal concludes.
While legal costs are a major bone of contention, another issue of concern to witnesses and potential witnesses is the level of appropriate individual support available to witnesses who give evidence about alleged rape, sexual assault or child abuse in the Defense Forces.
Another issue is whether those accused of criminal offenses will face prosecution.
A department spokesman said there was adequate support for all active-duty military personnel and anyone who interacts with the tribunal in any capacity.
Gardaí have not issued any invitations specifically asking people who believe they have been the victim of criminal activity associated with the Irish Defense Force to contact them.
Tribunal lawyer John Nolan also said the tribunal “has no role in the investigation of criminal offences”.