Deputies:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 61 together.

Deputies:

The military authorities have completed an investigation into allegations that Defence Forces personnel were involved in the use of Irish Defence Forces' equipment in the Seychelles and that Defence Forces regulations were breached. The Chief of Staff has recently reported to me in this regard. The Chief of Staff has confirmed that of the five personnel against whom allegations were made, two are currently serving members of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, and three are former members. I am advised that the investigation found no evidence to support the suggestion that Defence Forces equipment was utilised in any of the alleged activities, nor was there any evidence found of any illegal arms purchases or sales. In addition, the investigation undertaken by the military authorities indicates that Defence Forces regulations were not breached.

Deputies:

During the course of the investigation, I received a letter from the Seychelles' Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff received a letter from that country's Chief of Defence. Both letters indicated that any arms purchased for their state forces were fully legitimate and are in service by authorised Seychelles Government security personnel. In addition, the letters confirmed that Irish Defence Forces personnel only provided and facilitated lawful services for the Government of the Seychelles and in doing so made a significant contribution to the welfare and safety of the country. The letters also indicated that the character of Irish personnel who assisted in training their State police force were of the highest order.

Deputies:

While the investigation found that Defence Force regulations had not been breached, having considered the report, the Chief of Staff concluded that because of the nature of the specialist training required for certain military employment, it is not compatible with service in the PDF for such training and skills to be employed outside of the PDF. In this context he has updated the Defence Forces policy on off-duty employment to provide, inter alia, that PDF personnel cannot undertake off duty employment that utilises the specific military training they acquire as part of their service in the PDF.

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