68 serving Defence Force members have been convicted of crimes or are before courts

Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

A total of 68 currently serving members of the Defence Forces have been convicted of a crime in the last three years or are currently before the courts, a report given to the Tánaiste has found.

The figure does not include those who have been or are before the military courts currently. 

Micheál Martin requested a report in light of the case of soldier Cathal Crotty who received a suspended sentence last week for an attack on Limerick woman Natasha O'Brien. 

Crotty, of Parkroe Heights, Ardnacrusha, Clare, punched 24-year-old Ms O’Brien six times, knocking her unconscious in a random street attack. 

He then boasted on social media: “Two to put her down, two to put her out."

In handing down the suspended sentence, Judge Tom O’Donnell ordered Crotty to pay Ms O’Brien €3,000 compensation over what he said was an “utterly appalling” incident but opted not to jail him after hearing it would affect the soldier’s career.

The nature of the attack and subsequent sentence handed down the 22 year-old soldier has caused outrage with numerous protests both in Limerick and across the country.

It is understood that the soldier is set to removed from the Defence Forces next week. 

Earlier this week, the Defence Forces said that chief of staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy had directed a thorough review across all brigades and formations.

Irish Defence Forces soldier, Cathal Crotty

The report found that 68 members of the Defence Forces have been convicted in the last three years or are currently before the courts on a range of criminal offences including public order, drink driving, drugs offences, physical assault and sexual offences.

A spokesperson said: “The Tánaiste has been absolutely clear since becoming Minister for Defence 18 months ago on the need for urgent transformation of the culture in the Defence Forces.

"He is adamant that the Defence Forces is a place where no one convicted of serious physical assaults, sexual offences or domestic or gender-based violence can continue to be in active service.

"Following the Natasha O’Brien case, the Tánaiste was informed last Friday of another case involving a Naval Service member who is still serving after being convicted of assault causing harm last November."

The spokesperson said in light of that, Mr Martin had requested a report from the Chief of Staff to find out how many serving members of the Defence Forces have civil convictions, or are before the civil courts on serious criminal offences. The report confirmed the 68 figure.

"He also received the report requested on the case of the Naval Service member convicted of assault causing harm," the spokesperson added.

"The Tánaiste has now asked officials to provide a concise report based on the information received. He has sought legal advice from the Attorney General on how this information can be published in an appropriate and legally sound way.”