Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
366. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Defence the investigations that are taking place into historical allegations of child sexual abuse connected to members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27550/22]
View answerI have previously acknowledged the receipt of information on this matter. Given the apparent manner by which the information is sourced, the matters detailed in that information cannot be investigated by me or my officials, particularly where it is alleged that criminal offences of a sexual nature have been committed against children. They are best investigated by an Garda Síochána.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Senior Counsel has been appointed by me to conduct an independent assessment of the specific actions taken by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces on foot of the extensive correspondence received. This task is underway.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the concerns raised in the information are dealt with in a considerate and serious manner.
