Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
80. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware that a member of the Naval Service was convicted in 2023 of gender-based violence that left their victim, their former partner, with permanent eye damage, and that the perpetrator remains in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I cannot comment on individual cases. I have earlier outlined my unequivocal condemnation of any form of gender-based violence. Such behaviour has no place in a modern society or in our Defence Forces.
Defence Force Regulations, DFR A10 provide that a serving member may be discharged upon conviction by the civil power of an offence and sets out the process for consideration of such discharge.
I can confirm that the process in line with this Regulation in a number of cases is in train. I will refrain from further comment at this time.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have instructed that with immediate effect, serving members, either before the Courts on serious sexual assault or rape, or convicted and awaiting discharge, are to be put in local leave, on a without prejudice basis. There are provisions in the Regulations for this measure and I've made it clear that it must be implemented uniformly across the Organisation.
