Probe into claim soldiers were 'kept in cages' forced to fight each other by armed officer 

People were chosen to fight according to how they answered questions, it is alleged.

The Defence Forces are investigating claims that a Non-Commissioned Officer, who was armed with a loaded pistol, ordered soldiers to fight each other after he had returned from a pub.

It is alleged the NCO was armed with a standard-issue Heckler and Koch 9mm semi-automatic pistol when he arrived at the base from a pub and began ordering a number of soldiers to assemble before him.

People were chosen to fight according to how they answered questions about who they did or didn’t like, it is alleged.

There is even a claim that soldiers were locked in cages in between fights.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said: “Due to an ongoing Military Police investigation we cannot comment on the specifics of the investigation.” 

It's understood that 16 soldiers, who claim they witnessed or were ordered to take part in the alleged incident, have made official statements about what occurred.

Former army Company Sergeant Alan Nolan, who represents victims of army abuse and mistreatment, said: “This is an extreme example of the sort of thing that young recruits who volunteer to serve Ireland at home and abroad can face.

“The Defence Forces is still as vulnerable as it has always been to this kind of behaviour.

“This is one incident that we now know about because the soldiers involved had the bravery to speak up.

“The army needs to do better than just confirming they are running an investigation."

'Kept in cages'

Diane Byrne, a member of the Women of Honour campaign group for victims of abuse in the Defence Forces, said: “Details about this incident are only just starting to emerge.

“I have been told by reliable sources that some form of kangaroo court was set up and so-called justice was meted out to soldiers according to how at least one NCO saw fit.

“Those same sources have told me that soldiers were kept in cages, which is something I have never heard of in my life.

“While it is the subject of a Defence Forces investigation and justice should take its course, history has shown a tendency by senior officers to keep as much of a lid on matters as possible.

“The Minister of Defence needs to come before the Dáil and make a statement.

“Either the incident being investigated is as disturbing as it would appear or it isn’t. And if it is, some explanation needs to be given about what hasn't been reported to gardaí.”

The Minister for Defence Micheál Martin has declined to comment on the incident and gardaí said they are not aware of it.