Martin: I will Force changes in military

Tanaiste vows reform at passing out ceremony for new recruits

- FERGHAL BLANEY

THE Tanaiste has vowed to reform the Defence Forces following the shocking revelations of rape, beatings and systemic cruelty.

Micheal Martin, who is also Minister for Defence, said that crimes uncovered by investigators would be dealt with heavily.

He insisted no veil of secrecy would be allowed to fall over them and that gardai would investigate any crimes.

The Independent Review Group report into the stories of the Women of Honour was published on Tuesday.

The Tanaiste was speaking at a passing out ceremony for new Defence Forces Cadets at Collins' Barracks in Dublin city centre yesterday afternoon.

He said: "I will certainly be the minister that, not just gets this statutory inquiry established, but also the external oversight body will be established very quickly and then also other measures that we can move very quickly on to change the culture.