Vol. 498 No. 2
23 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the latest position regarding an investigation into alleged abuses of duty free allowances involving Irish peace-keeping troops in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26730/98]
67 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Defence the current investigations into allegations of smuggling of duty free goods. [26780/98]
154 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the current investigations into allegations of smuggling of duty free goods. [26941/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 67 and 154 together.
As part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse of duty free facilities by former Irish members of UNFICYP, a combined investigation team of military and Garda personnel went to Cyprus on 1 December. They returned yesterday and the investigation will now be continued in Ireland. The wider investigation which was conducted by the UN in Cyprus was islandwide and involved all contingents.
Does the Minister agree the alleged activities of a small number of serving members of the Defence Forces have besmirched the image and reputation of the Defence Forces? It is important that this investigation is concluded as speedily as possible. Given that the site inspection has taken place, will the Minister indicate when the investigation is likely to be concluded?
As soon as the Department became aware of these alleged incidents, we immediately contacted the United Nations and sought its report. This was the first step that had to be taken. Once the report was received, the Department ensured that a thorough investigation was undertaken. I am not in a position to put a timescale on it at present. The Department is extremely anxious that it is concluded as quickly as possible and, within the current constraints, I will ensure that it is. In common with the Deputy, I recognise that any longevity in the investigation would be unhelpful at this time. I am anxious that it is completed within the shortest possible period. However, I cannot give a timeframe.
Can the Minister give the House any parameters in terms of the extent of alleged involvement of members of the Defence Forces? I understand a small number of people were involved. Can the Minister give any indications in terms of the parameters of the alleged offence? Is it the case that the alleged scam, which I understand involved more than Irish members of the peace-keeping forces, entailed the abuse of up to or in excess of £1 million worth of duty free goods?
That figure may be accurate if one considers that a number of contingents, albeit small, were involved. In terms of the information available to me at present, it appears that not more than eight members of the Defence Forces were involved and the amounts involved are significantly lower than originally anticipated.
My query is similar to Deputy Rabbitte's in terms of the scale of the investigation. Who is involved in it at present and when does the Minister expect it will be completed?
That is a matter for the Garda authorities. However, as I said to Deputy Rabbitte, I am anxious that the investigation is concluded as quickly as possible. I do not have direct control over it, but everybody knows that we are anxious to have it concluded as quickly as possible and that appropriate action is taken to deal with infringements and wrongdoing. The majority of people serving in the Defence Forces during 40 years of service with the United Nations throughout the world have brought much pride to Ireland. I am anxious that this incident does not besmirch Ireland's name.
Are the supposed culprits still serving in Cyprus?
To the best of my knowledge, the answer is no. It involved contingents in 1997 and the early part of 1998. Ireland does not have anybody serving there at present who was allegedly involved.
