Probe launched after alleged sexual assault of soldier at army barracks

A Defence Forces spokesperson said while the army was aware of an incident, it would be 'inappropriate' to comment as the matter is the subject of both a Garda and military police investigation. File picture: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

An investigation is underway after an alleged serious sexual assault at an army barracks.

It is alleged to have happened in the early hours of Thursday morning and to have taken place in Defence Forces accommodation.

The Irish Examiner understands the incident was witnessed by a third party, who then reported it to senior officers.

They are then understood to have approached both the alleged victim and the alleged assailant.

Gardaí were then called, and the matter is now being investigated by military police.

The alleged assault is understood to have been carried out by a non-commissioned officer (NCO) against a more junior soldier.

A Defence Forces spokesperson said while the army was aware of an incident, it would be "inappropriate" to comment as the matter is the subject of a military police investigation.

Gardaí were also asked for a comment.

The incident is one of a number of allegations in recent years against serving Defence Forces personnel being investigated by either gardaí or military police.

Allegations of bullying are among those being investigated, as well as rape and sexual assault.

One of the sexual assaults investigated last year included the alleged oral rape of a serving soldier.

Other allegations include a number against an NCO who allegedly ordered junior soldiers to fight each other after he returned from a pub with a loaded pistol.

It is also claimed soldiers who refused to fight were placed in munitions cages on order from the soldier, who has since left the Defence Forces.

There have been more than seven allegations of sexual assault, one of sexual harassment, one of indecent exposure, and 12 of inappropriate behaviour in the past five years.

The figures do not include the number of allegations made directly to gardaí against serving Defence Forces personnel.

The State has paid out more than €10m in legal settlements of claims against the Defence Forces in the last four years but faces paying many times that amount in the coming years.

As of last March, there were a total of 482 current and “open” cases against the Defence Forces.

These include personal injury claims and judicial reviews.