Micheál Martin, Tánaiste of Ireland, has clarified that the state has not been instructing members of the Defence Forces to use their abilities to assist overseas ‘militias’ or ‘regimes’ which are under EU or UN sanctions. He referred to the operations of the Wagner Group, a Russian privately-funded military organisation, to illustrate how global damage may arise when armies or police train ‘militias or quasi-militias.’
This comes following revelations that a company managed by former Defence Forces members trained a Libyan group. In response, Mr Martin affirmed that domestic laws will be strengthened to communicate unequivocally to active and retired Defence Force members that they should not travel overseas to support militia groups.
When questioned on whether he was informed by Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, the Defence Forces chief of staff, about the suspected breach of a UN arms embargo by a company run by ex-Defence Forces members, including the Army Ranger Wing, training Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan forces, Mr. Martin did not provide a clear response. He stated that he needed to be cautious about his comments.
Mr Martin’s remarks were made at the Curragh in County Kildare during the passing out ceremony of the 99th Cadet Class. Although Lt Gen Clancy was present at the ceremony, he opted not to field questions from the press.
It was revealed that beginning in early 2023, Irish Training Solutions – managed by former members from the Defence Forces and the distinguished Army Ranger Wing – recruited and transported exiting or retired Irish soldiers to Benghazi, controlled by Haftar. As contractors, they trained the 166 Infantry Brigade of Haftar’s self-proclaimed Libyan National Army, considered a rival to the UN-recognised government in Tripoli.
Danny Cluskey, aged 58, a former serviceman and part-owner of Irish Training Solutions, was recently photographed in Libya sitting atop a military vehicle. He was seen sporting the emblem and shoulder flash of his old unit, the Army Ranger Wing, in addition to an Irish flag badge and the insignia of his firm.
The Garda National Crime & Security Intelligence Service is looking into the involvement of Irish nationals in the Libya training exercise, but has not yet found any violations of Irish law by those partaking in the operation. National security risks were also not detected, though the investigation continues. An inquiry into criminal offences would only start if any potential wrongdoings were found in the ongoing review.
Regarding the situation, Mr Martin voiced his objection, stating that such actions in Libya were completely inexcusable as they contravene EU and United Nations sanctions. In his view, supporting regimes that fall under these sanctions is a criminal offence.
He asserted that they are considering how to bolster existing laws and possibly the penalties associated with them, specifically targeting anyone who participated in unauthorised activities in places under sanctions or aiding and training regimes subjected to the same.
In addition, Mr Martin disclosed plans to reinforce the protection of Irish forces stationed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) by sending about 30 additional Defence Forces personnel, including some members of the Army Ranger Wing. He expressed confidence that all necessary measures have been taken to enhance the security of Irish soldiers in the region amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran.