The full horror of alleged rapes and sexual depravity in the Irish Defence Forces has been read into the Dail record.
Sinn Fein’s Patricia Ryan told the Dail many of the allegations were uncovered by retired Sgt Anthony O Brien who has been emailing TDs with fresh claims.
Mrs Ryan said: “There are many sad and sick stories including a female soldier who was raped on her first tour overseas.
“Her rapist was fined three days’ pay.
“The female soldier was labelled a troublemaker and a slut. She attempted suicide a number of times and became an alcoholic.
“There is the story of a female sailor who was drugged and raped which resulted in pregnancy. She miscarried.
“She told her doctor what had happened and she told her it was her word against that of the rapist. Her attacker was a serial rapist who was known for trying to get into female bunks while at sea.
“He was eventually forced to retire with a senior officer’s pension.”
Deputy Ryan also told the Dail of the rape of two female soldiers by four soldiers while on a tour of duty in the Lebanon.
She revealed: “The two female soldiers had their drinks spiked. They were then stripped and raped. The rapists then dressed them again and put them back into bed.
“There are allegations that resulted in cover-ups, forced moves, closing ranks and the quiet retirement of perpetrators.
“It is clear the current internal system for dealing with complaints is not fit for purpose and fails to protect those who lodge complaints and those carrying out investigations.
“The Government must commit to zero tolerance of workplace bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault and all forms of gender-based violence.”
