Simon Coveney has launched an external inquiry into an army party in McKee Barracks in June 2020.
The Minister for Defence has acted after a number of reports in recent weeks.
The first alleged incident concerned an outdoor party on the afternoon of June 25th 2020 where drink was taken, against Defence Forces rules at the time - and while the country was facing many Covid restrictions, including a ban on gatherings of more than 15 people.
The second event concerned allegations of a separate sexual assault on a female Defence Forces member later that evening, by a male who was allegedly at the party earlier.
A spokesman for Minister Coveney told the Irish Mirror last night: “There is a military judicial process underway on some matters and it would not be appropriate for the minister to comment until this concludes.
“Military Police investigations into other matters are now completed, the Minister sought updates on the progression of those investigations on a number of occasions.
“The Minister received a report from the Chief of Staff on Friday 28th January 2022.
“The Chief of Staff advised that the appropriate sanctions had been applied following the investigations.
“Given the length of time between the alleged incidents and the conclusion of the Military investigations, Minister Coveney and the Chief of Staff have agreed on an external review of the matter.
“Minister Coveney has appointed a Senior Counsel to undertake this review.”
The inquiry followed an internal inquiry into a gathering inside the Department of Foreign Affairs, where Mr Coveney is also line-minister, that concluded last week.
It centred around a photo showing senior staff celebrating with no social distancing and raising lasses of what appeared to be champagne.
Mr Coveney is answering questions on this matter before the Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs on Tuesday afternoon.
