Naval Service removes man over allegations

FIONA GARTLAND

THE DEFENCE Forces have confirmed that a member of the Naval Service has been removed from his post after an investigation into the leaking of sensitive information.

However, they refused to confirm or deny that the information related to the movement of naval patrol vessels and that it had been passed on to drug traffickers.

In a statement yesterday, the Defence Forces said that Naval command had become aware some months ago, during routine security checks, of allegations that a member of the Naval Service had disclosed information without authority to civilians.

The Military Police carried out an investigation into the allegations and a file has been sent to Director of Military Prosecutions Col John Spierin for consideration, the statement added.

Col Spierin will decide whether or not to press charges against the individual.

The member of the Naval Service was immediately removed from the post where the sensitive information was being handled.

The statement also confirmed that gardaí were aware of the investigation and were participating in it.

Spokesman for the Defence Forces Comdt Gavin Young said he would not comment on reports that the information allegedly provided by the Naval Service member related to the movement of naval patrol vessels, including the LE Eithne.

He also refused to comment on whether or not the information had been passed on to drug traffickers.

“Any such suggestions are speculation,” he said.