Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
49. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline, in light of the news that former members of the Defence Forces, operating as a company (details supplied) are training private militias, what actions are being taken by his Department to prevent such a situation reoccurring in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15715/24]
View answerRecent press reports regarding the training of members of the Libyan National Army by an Irish-based company and the possibility that such activity is in breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces.
No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach these sanctions, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
In response to these shocking reports, I have spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of which need to be examined further.
On the basis of the information received and given the potential for a breach of UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, my Department referred these activities to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which is the competent authority in relation to breaches of trade sanctions. I understand that, having examined the allegations, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána.
In addition, I have asked my officials to give consideration to the need for further legislation to strengthen the safeguards in relation to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions.
