Disquiet over prostitutes and peacekeepers report

A UNITED NATIONS report alleging Irish peacekeepers in Africa used prostitutes, including a 15-year-old girl, was compiled without interviewing any of the seven accused, it emerged yesterday.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Colm Mangan has ordered an investigation into the claims that members solicited the prostitutes while stationed in Eritrea.

A Military Police team is conducting the investigation at UN headquarters in the capital Asmara after the defence forces received the report, which included interviews with the local women.