Tánaiste meets with Lt Gen of Defence Forces

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin held a meeting with Lieutenant General of the Defence Forces Seán Clancy this morning, after it emerged there are 68 members of the forces with criminal convictions or facing the courts.

Last week the Tánaiste received a report into the issue and said that some of the cases were “very grave.”

The 68 cases involve members of the Defence Forces charged with or convicted of public order offences, assault, sexual offences and drunken driving.

The meeting was set up to discuss the Defence Forces handling of the cases.

Last week the Tánaiste said there was a lack of proactive management of cases, an absence of a central database and an inconsistent approach to deal with cases.

Mr Martin appointed a senior counsel, Peter Ward, to examine the issue.

The Tánaiste said those involved in serious offences – particularly rape or sexual assault – should be immediately taken out of service without prejudice.

He said last week he had instructed the Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy that those currently facing such charges should be put on what is termed as local leave.

“They are on leave essentially until the case is completed.”