'I'm not satisfied at all' - Taoiseach slams Defence Forces' handling of Crotty case

Taoiseach Simon Harris has issued criticism of the Irish Defence Forces – questioning how many of its members are currently “hiding” with convictions for domestic, sexual or gender-based violence.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is not satisfied with how the Irish Defence Forces have handled the fallout from the case of an Irish soldier who viciously assaulted a woman.

Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Defence Forces, walked free from court last week when he was given a three-year suspended sentence for attacking Natasha O'Brien.

The 22-year-old from Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms O'Brien in Limerick in 2022.

The Defence Forces have said internal proceedings are under way following the court process. They have also launched a review into other members who have been convicted of gender-based violence.

In a statement last Friday, a Defence Forces spokesperson said when a serving member was in court for a civil offence, internal proceedings could not start until after a judge had rendered their sentence.

Speaking before a meeting of the Cabinet today, the Taoiseach said: "There are people in the Defence Forces who clearly knew this was happening, why did they do nothing. These are very serious questions and as Taoiseach I am not satisfied in relation to this, I am not satisfied at all."

He also expressed anger at a "flurry of activity" by Defence Forces now, questioning whether it was prompted by the public interest in the case.

"It's a harsh thing for me to have to say as Taoiseach but I feel I need to say it, would the Defence Forces be carrying out their review that they're now carrying out was there not so much public interest in this," he said.

"I am really angry about it because we are now seeing a flurry of activity but that flurry of activity is only coming about because of the bravery of Natasha O'Brien and I want to know how many other people are hiding with convictions in relation to domestic, sexual or gender-based violence. They have no place, absolutely no place, in the Defence Forces," the Taoiseach added.

Mr Harris also expressed interest in meeting with Natasha O'Brien after the ending of any further legal proceedings that may arise and commended her for coming forward.

Noting that he can’t comment on individual cases, he said the last few days have show us how far Ireland has to go to reach the zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence Minister McEntee is aiming for.

The Taoiseach said new sentencing guidelines and training for judges “absolutely needs to be considered”.

Separately, a demonstration in support of Ms O’Brien is due to be held outside the Dáil this evening.