Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Another issue that concerns me is the use of language in the categorisation of the nature of the complaints that are referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. I refer to the use of the term "interpersonal issues" in one category. Mr. Justice Mahon stated that this category covers elements of personality conflict, allegations of inappropriate behaviour or bullying. Allegations of inappropriate behaviour or bullying have significant potential to be very serious and have far-reaching implications. Does the language used in assigning the umbrella term "interpersonal issues" actually disguise the very serious nature of the allegation types that it covers? Does the ombudsman think that more descriptive language should be used in categorising the nature of the complaints in his reports?