Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the contribution of the Defence Forces to missions enforcing a United Nations mandated arms embargo on Libya; if he is aware of any activities by any Irish citizens in breach of the arms embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21341/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperation Irini is the UN mandated EU Naval mission in the eastern Mediterranean aimed at enforcing an arms embargo on Libya. Its primary task is the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya using aerial, satellite and maritime assets. The mission was launched on 31 March 2020 with the aim creating the conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Libya by stemming the flow of weapons into the country.
Ireland currently has three members of the Defence Forces deployed to the Operational Headquarters of the Operation Irini mission in Rome in staff officer posts and a further officer is assigned to the Floating Headquarters. Government approval was secured for these appointments on 18 May 2020.
Additionally, in 2023, following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. William Butler Yeats and a crew of 58 personnel deployed as part of Operation Irini for a period of six weeks in the summer of 2023 demonstrating Ireland’s support for the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security.
In terms of any activities of Irish citizens in breach of the embargo, recent reports that former members of the Defence Forces may be involved in training members of the Libyan National Army, in breach of this embargo, are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.
In response to these claims, I initiated three immediate actions.
• I spoke with the Chief of Staff about these matters, which need to be examined further;
• I asked my officials to review the legislation relating to the activities of both serving and former members of the Defence Forces in regions covered by UN or EU sanctions; and
• following reference of the claims by my Department to the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, An Garda Síochána are now investigating the allegations in relation to possible breaches of trade sanctions.
The Military Police have opened an investigation in relation to the allegations that individuals had engaged in this training activity in Libya while still serving were uncovered by the Defence Forces. This investigation is being conducted in close coordination with An Garda Síochána .
