Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Again, I am not attempting to avoid answering Deputy Timmins's question, but the Office for the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is modelled on the public services Ombudsman. The public services Ombudsman gives an annual report to the Dáil outlining the complaints she received and how they were dealt with by the relevant Departments. Under the legislation, the Ombudsman will hear the complaint and give her findings to the Department of Defence outlining whether the complaint has been upheld and, if so, what action is recommended. The Minister is obliged to convey to the ombudsman the action taken. This is contained in the annual report, which is due to be published shortly.

On Deputy Timmins's question about former and serving members, subject to correction, they were all made by serving members. Of the 12 cases reported to the ombudsman, nine preliminary and three final reports have issued. The ombudsman found in favour of the complainant in eight cases, and against the complainant in four. In the eight cases in question, six related to selection processes for career advancement courses, and two related to selection processes for overseas service.

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