Vol. 501 No. 2
85 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding an investigation into alleged abuses of duty free allowances involving Irish peacekeeping troops in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4989/99]
I received a report from the United Nations regarding alleged abuses of duty free privileges by members of the Permanent Defence Force serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
The information supplied by the United Nations was examined in my Department in consultation with the military authorities following which a joint military police-Garda investigating team visited Cyprus in early December last. On their return the investigators interviewed certain personnel named in the UN report. As a result a member of the Defence Forces has been remanded for trial by court-martial and it is expected that the trial will commence shortly. The matter is, therefore, sub-judice. Investigations into the alleged abuses of duty free privileges by other members of the PDF serving with UNFICYP are on-going and any necessary action will be pursued.
