Conor Gallagher in The Irish Times reports today that former soldiers of the elite Defence Forces Army Ranger Wing have resumed military training operations in Libya in an apparent breach of international sanctions. Through their company, Irish Training Solutions, these former elite special forces members are training troops of a Libyan warlord, Khalifa Haftar, who is backed by Russia. The Irish Times reports that this contract is worth more than €10 million. It is appalling to see images of men wearing the Irish flag, our tricolour, teaching Haftar’s strongmen in Libya to be snipers.

The Tánaiste has already condemned the deeply concerning activity that has been reported, which UN experts have said is worsening the conflict in Libya. It has been reported that criminal investigations may ensue. Can the Minister provide the House with an update on the plans of the Government to introduce new regulations to put a stop to this alarming practice?

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence has made it very clear that media reports that former members of the Defence Forces may be involved in training members of the Libyan National Army are deeply shocking and cause reputational damage to Ireland and our Defence Forces. No Irish citizen should knowingly be involved in activities that breach UN sanctions or EU restrictive measures, least of all former members of the Irish Defence Forces.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has since confirmed that the matter has been referred to An Garda Síochána, and a range of restrictive measures covering persons and activities regarding Libya has been in place since 2011, including an arms embargo prohibiting the sale, supply or transfer of arms or weaponry to Libya, subject to certain exemptions.