A Defence Forces Tribunal has heard allegations of sexist abuse, intimidation, stalking and failures to act on complaints from a former Naval Service officer. The testimony forms part of an inquiry into how the Irish Defence Forces handled complaints of sexual harassment and bullying, and the wider culture surrounding those reports.
Breaking News: Tribunal hears allegations from former naval officer
Honor Murphy, a former Naval Service petty officer and member of the Women of Honour advocacy group, gave evidence to the tribunal on Tuesday. She described incidents dating from her service, including remarks that women should not be serving at sea and should instead be “knitting and having babies”.
The Defence Forces Tribunal is chaired by Judge Ann Power. Its work follows concerns raised publicly by the 2021 RTÉ Radio documentary Women of Honour, which brought renewed attention to alleged sexual harassment, assault, bullying and discrimination within the Defence Forces.
Murphy joined the Naval Service in 1998 and left in February 2021 after 22 years. She was among the first women to become a petty officer in the Irish Naval Service and served in several roles, including recruitment.
What the tribunal was told about alleged bullying
Murphy said she was one of only two women serving aboard the LÉ Eithne at the time, alongside about 80 men on the ship’s general roster. During a training exercise, she struggled to reach the trigger of a firearm because of its size.
She told the tribunal that a non-commissioned officer shouted at her in front of colleagues and made a comment questioning whether women belonged in the Defence Forces. She also alleged that the same officer made disparaging remarks about the two women serving together, suggesting they would be distracted if sent out on a boat without male colleagues.
On another occasion, Murphy said the two women were threatened with punishment after responding to an urgent order to go out on a small boat. She said another officer intervened, preventing the proposed punishment, but that the non-commissioned officer later told them they had “started a war” and would be targeted.
Alleged threatening conversation
Murphy also described a conversation in which the officer referred to having been questioned about a murder in Dublin. She said he implied he may have been involved and repeatedly told her that she would read about him in the newspapers.
Murphy told counsel representing Women of Honour that the exchange terrified her. She said she did not make a formal complaint because she was afraid of the man involved.
Stalking allegations and concerns about reporting
The tribunal also heard evidence about a stalking ordeal Murphy said began in 2001. She described receiving messages from an unidentified number, including comments about her appearance and messages indicating that someone knew when she was going to bed.
She believed the person responsible worked with her because some messages arrived while she was at work. Murphy said she discussed the situation with friends, including a male petty officer. She was advised to speak to Lieutenant Commander Colm McGinley, who she said recommended reporting the matter to An Garda Síochána.
McGinley, who is now retired, also gave evidence and said he had no recollection of the conversation. Murphy said she suspected the male petty officer she had confided in may have been responsible for the messages.
After she said she would contact gardaí, Murphy received a SIM card through her letterbox and the messages stopped. She recalled that the man had told her he was in love with her and wanted a relationship. She said she did not remember the Naval Service asking her for further information about the alleged stalking.
Follow further Ireland News coverage and updates on public institutions, accountability and workplace safety at DailyDigest.ie.
Evidence about a later incident aboard a ship
Murphy also recalled being asked to speak with a female cadet in 2019 after the cadet complained that two male colleagues had locked her inside a cabin while wearing only towels.
Murphy said no action was taken following the complaint and that the woman subsequently left the Naval Service. The evidence is part of the tribunal’s wider examination of whether complaints were properly recorded, investigated and followed up.
Why the Defence Forces Tribunal matters
The tribunal is examining more than individual allegations. Its remit includes the way complaints of sexual harassment and bullying were handled, as well as the organisational culture in which serving personnel raised concerns.
For current and former members of the Defence Forces, the inquiry may have implications for confidence in reporting systems, internal investigations and protections against retaliation. It also raises broader questions about how military organisations support personnel who report misconduct while maintaining fair procedures for everyone involved.
Murphy said she left the Naval Service in 2021 after being told she had no alternative but to return to sea. She wanted to remain in the organisation, but said she did not feel able to resume sea duties while caring for two children, then aged two and four.
What happens next?
The tribunal’s hearings are continuing. Further witnesses are expected to provide evidence about the treatment of complaints, workplace conduct and the experiences of women who served in the Defence Forces.
As the inquiry remains ongoing, allegations heard during proceedings should be distinguished from findings. The tribunal’s eventual conclusions will be important in assessing what happened, whether procedures were followed and whether institutional changes are required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Defence Forces Tribunal investigating?
It is investigating how complaints of sexual harassment and bullying were handled within the Defence Forces, along with the culture surrounding those complaints.
Who gave evidence?
Honor Murphy, a former Naval Service petty officer and Women of Honour member, gave evidence. Retired Lieutenant Commander Colm McGinley also appeared in relation to an alleged stalking report.
What is Women of Honour?
Women of Honour is an advocacy group made up of former women members of the Defence Forces who have raised concerns about alleged harassment, assault, bullying and discrimination.
Conclusion
The latest Irish News from the tribunal highlights the seriousness of allegations made by women who served in Ireland’s Defence Forces. Murphy’s evidence raised questions about sexism, intimidation, stalking and the response to complaints. The tribunal’s final findings will determine what lessons should be learned and what safeguards may be needed to ensure personnel can report concerns safely.