The latest inquiry into the number of convictions among the members of the Military discloses a total of 68 personnel that have either been previously convicted or are presently undergoing court proceedings for an array of criminal charges. The report was handed over to Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Wednesday, however, he had a few queries needing clarification.
A spokesperson for Martin stated that since his appointment as Defence Minister a year and a half ago, Martin has been staunchly advocating for an urgent cultural reform in the military. He firmly upholds the argument that the military is not a suitable place for those having serious charges such as severe physical assault, sex crimes, or cases relating to domestic or gender-based violence.
Post the Natasha O’Brien incident, a fresh case was brought to Martin’s attention last Friday. It involved a standing member of the Navy, who was convicted last November for causing bodily harm yet is still serving. Consequently, Martin ordered a report from the Chief of Staff to calculate the total number of present military members with civil court convictions, or who are facing serious criminal charges in the civil court.
Yesterday, Martin was informed of the presence of 68 military members who are either under conviction or submission to the civil courts for an assortment of criminal charges such as public disturbances, driving under the influence, drug crimes, physical assault, and sex crimes.
Furthermore, Martin received the ordered report on the Navy member convicted for causing bodily harm. Following this, he demanded a succinct report from officials based on the disclosed information. He also requested legal guidance from the Attorney General for publishing this information in a manner that would be both suitable and legally irreproachable.
More information will soon be available.