Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023

Thursday, 13 July 2023

Questions (212)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

212. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware of reports, as published in a book (details supplied) Is Ireland Neutral page 135, that an Irish Defence Forces senior officer was involved in military actions that led the death of members of the Taliban forces in Afghanistan; if members of the Irish Defence Forces Army Ranger wing were involved in similar military actions while serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35156/23]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The Army Ranger Wing (ARW) are the Special Operations Forces of the Defence Forces. Personnel from the ARW served in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghanistan from October 2006 to March 2007 and from September 2014 to March 2015. 

The ARW did not deploy Special Operations Forces in any direct or indirect way to ISAF in Afghanistan. The officer referred to in book in question was an Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Officer and not a member of the ARW.

The Defence Forces advise that they are unaware of the involvement of any member of the Defence Forces in any direct military action that led to the death of Taliban forces.