An Army officer is being investigated for allegedly trying to grope a female solider at Defence Forces headquarters following a gathering during Covid-19 restrictions.
The alleged incident occurred in the summer of 2020 after an outdoor lunch attended by military personnel at McKee Barracks, Dublin, was held at a time of strict restrictions on gatherings.
It is understood the officer became drunk during the afternoon and evening and fell asleep on the base. Two female soldiers were then tasked with bringing him to bed.
They woke him up at which point he allegedly attempted to grope one of the women’s breasts while making an inappropriate remark.
No findings of guilt have been made against the officer. The matter is under investigation by the Military Police ahead of a potential court martial.
If convicted under military law, he could face imprisonment in the military jail in the Curragh Camp, dishonourable discharge or a range of more minor penalties, such as demotion.
A Defence Forces spokesman declined to comment on the matter on Friday, stating “as this matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation we are unable to comment”.
It is understood the alleged incident has caused significant disquiet among senior military leadership and in the Department of Defence.
It comes as Defence Forces management is attempting to improve its treatment of women members following accusations of sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination from a group of female veterans who have become known as the Women of Honour.
Statutory inquiry
Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has established an a judge-led independent review to examine the issues raised by the women. The group has criticised Mr Coveney's response and called for an statutory inquiry with powers to compel witnesses.
The event that proceeded the alleged 2020 incident at McKee Barracks took place following an outdoor event during which alcohol was served along with food.
At the time, Covid regulations limited outdoor gatherings to 15 people.
The event attracted a number of complaints which led to a formal investigation. This resulted in several officers being summoned before the Defence Forces General Staff.
An inquiry concluded that the lunch was compliant with restrictions as it took placed during the course of work but that the officers had breached the Defence Forces’ alcohol policy.
Inappropriate
They received a formal administrative appraisal from the then chief of staff, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, who told them the serving of alcohol was ill-advised and inappropriate.
On taking over as Chief of Staff in September 2021, Lieut Gen Seán Clancy issued a letter to all personnel warning that harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in the Defence Forces and military leaders will face consequences for not acting to stop it.
This was in response to the Women of Honour allegations which had aired that month.
