Courts / Ireland / Report
Women of Honour challenge State's refusal of tribunal funding
Summary
The Women of Honour CLG has initiated a High Court judicial review against Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland, and the Attorney General, challenging the State's refusal to fund the group's legal teams for a tribunal investigating bullying, harassment, and sexual assault allegations within the Defence Forces. The group, represented by Mark Harty SC, argued that the State's decision creates a "fundamental inequality of arms" and "fundamental unfairness." They submitted that while the State and the Defence Forces, who are the subjects of the complaints, are fully funded, the complainants face potential cost denial despite being voluntary participants assisting the tribunal's fact-finding. Mr Harty contended that denying funding acts as a structural barrier to participation and renders the right to representation illusory, as witnesses may face reputational scrutiny. He further argued that the State cannot rely on tribunal limitations to avoid ensuring effective participation. The tribunal, which began this week, is scheduled to continue for 33 days. In her decision, Ms Justice Sara Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Women of Honour challenge State's refusal of tribunal funding. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2026-06-04 Publication
Why: (Pictured: Defence Minister Helen McEntee is one of the parties on notice of the proceedings taken by the Women of Honour group Photo: Collins) by Paul Neilan Defence Forces rights group Women of Honour will challenge the State's refusal to fund their legal teams' participation in the tribunal investigating how the force has dealt with allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual assaults. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Ms Justice Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
Applicant
Outcome: Ms Justice Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
Stage Hearing Or Decision Violent Crime
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