Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Defence the procedure in place for members of the Defence Forces who received approaches from persons linked to criminal activity; his views on recent media reports that a number of members have been so approached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13571/08]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to reports that members of criminal gangs have approached members of the Defence Forces offering them money in return for assistance in carrying out armed crimes; if he will confirm that such approaches have been made; the steps that are being taken to ensure that such approaches are spurned and reported to the appropriate authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13552/08]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 51 together.

All members of the Defence Forces are advised to report any inappropriate contacts or requests linked to criminality, to their Commanding Officers. Such incidents will be dealt with by the Military Authorities and where necessary will be passed to the Gardaí. The Defence Forces do not openly discuss specific incidents that may have a direct impact on the security of its personnel.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 39: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of qualified dental hygienists serving in the Permanent Defence Force; the number who have been trained at public expense; the number currently working as dental hygienists within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13509/08]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are no Defence Forces personnel working as Dental Hygienists at present. Two persons are currently serving in the Defence Forces who had been trained as Dental Hygienists, at public expense. Both of these were subsequently re-assigned to other duties on promotion.