Report on convicted criminals in Defence Forces identifies 20 cases of concern

Protesters gather outside Leinster House in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien who was attacked by Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Defence Forces. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/PA WireOn Sunday, Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy met his senior officers and demanded a list of all serving personnel with convictions or who are facing charges. The request was sent out to all Defence Forces brigades and formations.

The draft report is understood to have identified 20 “cases of concern” which have the potential to cause damage to the reputation of the Defence Forces, military sources said. He said it was “utterly unacceptable that I have to stand here as Taoiseach of this country and I cannot answer the question of how many people with criminal convictions are in the Defence Forces today. That is not acceptable to me. It is not acceptable to the Government. It should not be acceptable to anyone in this House.”

“We all agree with that across this House, but we are all aware that the Defence Forces can be brought into disrepute by the actions of a small number. It also runs the risk of being brought into disrepute by the inaction of others.”

Simon-Harris Cathal-Crotty Natasha-O-Brien

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