Vol. 478 No. 5
34 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of serving Ulster Defence Regiment personnel who have been convicted of serious offences while on duty; if he will give details of the offences and the disciplinary action, if any, which was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11509/97]
As the Deputy will be aware, the UDR was amalgamated with the Royal Irish Rangers in July 1992 to form the Royal Irish Regiment. Figures available to the Government indicate that some 150 members of the former Ulster Defence Regiment were convicted of serious offences, including 19 members who were convicted of murder.
I have asked that inquiries be made of the British authorities within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference to ascertain if the additional information sought by the Deputy is available. If more definitive information becomes available, I will communicate directly with the Deputy.
The Government has emphasised on numerous occasions to the British Government through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovenmental Conference the need to ensure that all members of the security forces, including the RIR, operate at all times within the rule of law. Issues of concern which have arisen in respect of specific cases as well as questions of general policy have been raised by the Government at meetings of the Intergovernmental Conference on an ongoing basis.
