Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 4

Written Answers. - Army Deserter Amnesty.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

258 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence if he will favourably consider a request by the Irish United Nations Veterans Association to grant an amnesty, on humanitarian grounds, to any member of the Permanent Defence forces who, as a result of depression due to overseas service, became a deserter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. V. Brady)

There is no provision under the Defence Acts to grant an amnesty in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy.

Any member of the Permanent Defence Forces who has absented himself/herself without due authority from his/her unit or place of duty should be advised to surrender himself/herself to the military authorities so that the question of his/her absence can be dealt with in accordance with military law.

While the outcome of individual cases cannot be foreseen, the Deputy may be assured that any mitigating circumstances, which may be pleaded, will be taken fully into account by the military authorities.