PM says soldiers accused of sexual assault should be ‘suspended from active duty’

Simon Harris has said that a person accused of sexual assault should be “suspended from active service” until the matter is resolved.

In a recent interview, Ireland’s Prime Minister said Ireland must maintain a “zero tolerance” approach to sexual violence.

It comes as debates about gender-based violence have intensified across the country following the suspended sentence of soldier Cathal Crotty.

“This is not a political slogan,” the Prime Minister told Newstalk this week. “It requires a change of culture in our workplaces, our homes and our villages.”

Discussing cases like Cathal Crotta’s, Mr Harris continued; “As part of this, it is entirely possible to effectively dismiss anyone from the Defense Forces.

“There are certain crimes that someone is accused of committing, without prejudice to the law, the person in question should be suspended from active duty.”

“If you have been accused of sexual assault and you are wearing the uniform of Oglaigh na hÉireann, you cannot wear it without prejudice until the matter is resolved.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come after it was reported that the Director of Public Prosecutions has filed an appeal against the sentence imposed on Cathal Crotty last month.

The 22-year-old received a three-year suspended sentence and a €3,000 payment to Natasha O’Brien after an unprovoked attack on her two years ago.