Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
184. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he intends to examine legislation in relation to former members of the Defence Forces being able to sell their expertise;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the alleged activities of former members of the Defence Forces in the provision of training to members of the Libyan National Army, activities that may be in breaches of UN and EU sanctions, I have taken a number of immediate actions.
Among those actions, 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. Work is this regard is underway.
I have also spoken with the Chief of Staff to outline my deep concern at the matters alleged, all of which need to be examined further.
Finally, 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 & Employment, which is the competent authority in relation to breaches of trade sanctions. That Department has referred the matter to An Garda Síochána.
