'Soldiers hired girl prostitutes'

An investigation was ordered tonight into allegations that Irish soldiers serving in Africa hired prostitutes including a 15-year-old girl.

A military police team was conducting an inquiry in Eritrea where the soldiers were engaged in peacekeeping operations.

It was claimed that they solicited women and engaged in sexual activity with them.

The allegations were drawn up in a report by the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).

A number of local women were interviewed in the report, claiming they had accepted money from Irish soldiers in return for sexual favours.

It is alleged to have happened within an UNMEE camp area in the capital Asmara.

“These are very serious allegations and the Chief of Staff has ordered a complete and thorough inquiry to uncover the full truth,” a defence forces spokesman said.

“The military police team sent to Eritrea consists of a senior officer and three of the defence forces’ most experienced investigators.

“If this investigation confirms the allegations in the UNMEE report then these personnel face severe consequences.”

The claims do not concern troops currently serving in Eritrea.

It is believed those concerned were on a previous six-month mission.

The spokesman added: “We do not tolerate behaviour of this kind and are very concerned about these claims.

“Our ethos is to respect local communities where we serve on our missions overseas, especially in relation to women, who may be vulnerable.”

He said all troops underwent compulsory education programmes before their deployment.