Written answers

Wednesday, 7 July 2010

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Inquiries

12:00 pm

Photo of Martin FerrisMartin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on allegations regarding the involvement of Irish Army officers in arms sales in the Seychelles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29790/10]

Photo of Martin FerrisMartin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on newspaper reports (details supplied) alleging that Irish Army officers engaged in arms sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29895/10]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the inquiry into the allegations that Irish Army officers were involved in purchasing arms on the black market in South Africa for a group operating in the Seychelles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30142/10]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 73 and 74 together.

The military authorities have advised that the position regarding members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) engaging in off-duty employment is that membership of the PDF is a full time professional occupation, which from time to time may involve long, arduous, and unsocial hours of duty at the member's home station or elsewhere within or outside of the State. Since members of the PDF must be available for duty at all times, off-duty time is dictated by operational requirements, and may be irregular, changed, or cancelled at short notice. Their service to the State as a member of the PDF takes precedence over such employment and no employment should be undertaken which would prevent a member of the PDF being available for duty at all times. The Defence Forces do not exercise any authority in relation to the nature of any employment entered into by former members.

The Defence Forces prides itself on the integrity and professionalism of its personnel and indeed the Defence Forces reputation both at home and overseas is acknowledged by all to be exemplary in the manner in which business is conducted. The good name and reputation of our Defence Forces must be upheld and not be damaged by the actions of a small number of individuals. Any allegations of impropriety or wrong doing by members of the Defence Forces are treated with the utmost seriousness by the military authorities. Where appropriate the military authorities will commence investigations into any such alleged wrong doing.

I am advised by the Military authorities that an investigation into the matters referred to has commenced and is currently ongoing. In order to afford due process and fair procedures to any persons who may be the subject of this investigation, and to ensure that the outcome of the investigation or any follow up action that may arise as a result of it, are not prejudiced in any way, the Senator will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further until this investigation has concluded.

Ireland established diplomatic relations with the Seychelles in 1999 through our respective missions to the UN in New York. The Seychelles, along with all countries in the region, are currently responding to the threat posed by the piracy emanating from the coast of Somalia. We should, however, be extremely careful not to participate in or add to any sensationalist commentary about the national security situation in that country.

With regard to the issue of piracy, the European Union launched Operation ATALANTA in December 2008 to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The UN Security Council welcomed the launch of the operation to combat piracy off the coast of Somali and to protect vulnerable ships bound for Somalia. From the outset, Ireland has fully supported the objectives of Operation ATALANTA. Following approval by the Government at its meeting on 9 June 2009, two (2) Naval Service officers deployed to the Operational Headquarters of Operation ATALANTA at Northwood in the UK on 12 June 2009. The officers are filling appointments in force generation and civilian-military cells. Five other officers are deployed in Uganda engaged in capacity building of Somali justice and security personnel. Deployment to this operation is fully in accordance with Ireland's commitment to UN-mandated peace support operations.

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