68 Defence Forces members either convicted or before courts, report shows criminal offences including public order, drink driving, drugs offences, physical assault and sexual offences.

Updated / Friday, 28 Jun 2024 06:44

It has emerged that 68 members of the Defence Forces have been convicted or are before the courts for a range of offences.

The figure was provided to Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin in a report from Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy last night.

Mr Martin has sought advice from the Attorney General on how the information can be appropriately published.

A spokesperson for the minister said: “The Tánaiste has been absolutely clear since becoming Minister for Defence 18 months ago on the need for urgent transformation of the culture in the Defence Forces.

“He is adamant that the Defence Forces is a place where no one convicted of serious physical assaults, sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence can continue to be in active service.

“Following the Natasha O’Brien case, the Tánaiste was informed last Friday of another case involving a Naval Service member who is still serving after being convicted of assault causing harm last November.

“In light of this, he 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.

“Last night, the Tánaiste 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.

“He also received the report requested on the case of the Naval Service member convicted of assault causing harm.