Local TD says Defence Forces needs to apologise to women affected by sexual abuse

A local Sinn Fein TD says an apology is one of the first things that should be offered to anyone who suffered sexual abuse or harassment in the Defence Forces.

Minister Simon Coveney is to meet with several women who featured in a radio documentary over the weekend, highlighting alleged abuse in the army.

The RTE programme featured four former female members, who claim they suffered various sexual abuses, and the Defence Forces say they will co-operate with any investigations in relation to allegations of sexual harassment made by former members.

Sorca Clarke is Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Defence and a Longford-Westmeath TD.

She told the Joe Finnegan show that the Defence Forces need to reach out to the women affected