I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen. I believe he has already been made aware by the person who contacted me of the substance of some of the matters which were of concern and which I raise. They are extremely serious, highly important and controversial matters and, if true, extremely damaging both to this country's reputation and to the Irish Army.
The allegations suggest that serving and former members of the Irish Army were first retained as security advisers and then, as part of a company, became advisers to the Government of the Seychelles. The Seychelles Government was under the impression that a United States intelligence organisation was bugging certain state offices and a sweep was made. This was denied by the American authorities but a subsequent investigation involved some of these people. Intriguingly, they were involved in a company which they called CIA and which detected the presence of bugs or claimed to do so. Subsequently, they became enmeshed with the Seychelles Government and this is now a matter of considerable concern in the Seychelles. The Le Noveau Seychelles Weekly newspaper has carried front page stories and articles determining this and making the people of the Seychelles aware of the situation.
It is alleged that these Irish Army officers, having profited from their involvement in two firms, CIA and Aver, went on to develop their interest in co-ordination with certain elements within the Seychelles Government. They went on an arms buying spree and bought a considerable number and variety of arms on the black market in South Africa. They were sold back to highly dangerous organisations operating within the Seychelles. That is the substance of the allegations.
The allegations have been widely distributed through the electronic media on a website with which the Minister is familiar. A question has been asked in the other House by a Member from Sinn Féin, which is interesting, and some people might find that slightly ironic. In any case, these matters appear to have been widely dispersed not just in the Seychelles newspapers, electronic media and questions being asked in the Dáil by Deputy Martin Ferris but also by an interesting and significant article in the Sunday Independent of 13 June last by Mr. Tom Prenderville. He has indicated that he is also very clearly aware of the allegations and there is apparently an investigation into the matter.
Will the Minister reassure the House that these allegations are being substantially investigated? Is it true that former or serving officers of the Irish Army also involve themselves in the operations of security firms both here and in the Seychelles? I remind the Minister that these matters came before the High Court with sworn affidavits and documentary evidence, so there is at least some circumstantial proof.
Will the Minister determine if there is an Army or Garda inquiry ongoing on the international ramifications of the matter? Have existing or retired members of the Irish Army been involved in buying arms on the black market in the Seychelles and selling them to disreputable organisations within that country? That is the statement being made widely within the Seychelles.
These are just allegations currently but I understand they are supported by taped and documentary evidence, along with evidence from the Seychelles in the administration and media there. It is very important to establish any degree of truth in these allegations to save the honour and reputation of the Irish Army, which is and always has been very high in the peacekeeping field. I have never before known of allegations that Army officers were involved in the arms trade. If members are, whether it is legal or not, it is completely disgraceful. This is true whether the people involved are retired or currently serving. It is a very important matter because even if the allegations are untrue, it is vital they be addressed. Damage has been done and will undoubtedly continue to be done domestically and internationally if these rumours are allowed to persist without being clearly examined in detail, with a definitive answer given on these most disturbing questions.