Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
108. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of serving members of the Defence Forces who have been convicted of a criminal offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28137/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have already stated publicly , since becoming Minister for Defence 18 months ago, I have been absolutely clear on the need for urgent transformation of the culture in the Defence Forces.
I wish to reiterate in the strongest possible terms that the Defence Forces is not a place where someone convicted of serious physical assaults, sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence can be allowed to continue to serve.
Recent reports on these matters are very concerning.
As the Deputy will be aware, following a recent case, I was informed on Friday 21 June of a further cases involving a member who is still serving after being convicted of assault causing harm..
In light of this, I immediately requested a report from the Chief of Staff to find out how many serving members of the Defence Forces have civil convictions, or are before the civil courts on serious criminal offences. I received an initial report early last week and sought further clarification on the content.
On Wednesday evening last, I received a report of 68 Defence Forces personnel who have been convicted, or are currently before the civil courts, on a range of criminal offences including public order, drink driving, drugs offences, physical assault and sexual offences.
I have asked officials to provide a concise report based on the information received and have sought legal advice from the Attorney General in terms of publishing that. I will not be commenting further on the detail at this time until I've received this advice.
