Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
93. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces members who were recruited despite with criminal convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28227/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to state at the outset, 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 join or continue to serve.
All applicants to join the Defence Forces are vetted by An Garda Síochána as part of the application process. Defence Forces Regulation A10, Section 12(5), provides that where an individual is convicted of a serious offence by a civil court, they are not deemed to be suitable for engagement.
On Wednesday evening last, I was informed 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 also received the report on the case of the Naval Service member convicted of assault causing harm.
I have asked officials to provide a concise report based on the information received and have sought legal advice from the Attorney General on how this information can be published in an appropriate and legally sound way.
