Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I believe it was settled before Mr. Justice Mahon's appointment or perhaps just afterwards, I cannot remember. It is always detrimental to the process if, having gone through all of the hoops and having had a favourable recommendation from the ombudsman's office, a person then must actually go through the legal system to get some sort of resolution. That is always bad and I am delighted to hear that the ombudsman's recommendations are being taken up and agreed. That is really good news. Reference was made in the presentation to the proactive nature of the ombudsman's office. I too would like to see a situation where the office could proactively engage in matters that it believes are of concern and need to be sorted out. Perhaps at our next meeting, the ombudsman might be able to bring forward amendments to the legislation that would facilitate that.

Some of my colleagues have mentioned those people who were in uniform and who now are on the far right and who say the most horrendous things online and in social media and make the most horrendous attacks, not just on the Government but also on serving members. There is another group involved in allegations who have cases before the courts. When they come to an elected representative and when we hear the case we are immediately sympathetic but then we are told that the case is before the courts and of course it is sub judice at that stage. We then come in for the most horrendous bullying and harassment online for not taking action on that person's behalf. In some ways, I wish that they had access to the ombudsman's office in order that the issues could be resolved speedily. In other way, perhaps if they did have access they may turn their ire onto that office. I will not delay Mr. Justice Mahon any longer. I really appreciate his time. I appreciate Mr. O'Neill being here also and I look forward to working with the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces over the coming years.