Defence Forces members with criminal records should not be allowed to serve in the armed forces, Taoiseach Simon Harris has cautioned, reports Breaking News.
After expressing his dissatisfaction with the way commanders had managed the consequences from the instance of a serving soldier who had attacked a lady in Limerick, Mr. Harris sent the harsh message.
If there are additional military personnel “hiding with convictions” for sexual, domestic, or gender-based abuse, the Taoiseach sought to know.
On the day that he made these remarks, TDs in the Dáil stood to praise Natasha O’Brien, the victim of an attack whose story has spurred nationwide demonstrations, reports Breaking News.
A three-year suspended sentence for assaulting Limerick lady Ms. O’Brien was handed down last week, and Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Defence Forces, was allowed to leave court.
On a night out in Limerick City in 2022, the 22-year-old soldier, whose residence is at Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, entered a guilty plea, reports Breaking News.
Ms. O’Brien, 24, was present in the Dáil’s public gallery on Tuesday as Mr. Harris answered questions from the opposition over the widespread debate around the suspended sentence.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl, the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil, said that he was defying convention by asking TDs to stand in her honour.
“We are on your side,” Mr. Ó Fearghaíl remarked, glancing up at Ms. O’Brien following the standing ovation, reports Breaking News.
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