Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

At the launch of her report, the ombudsman was quite scathing with regard to staffing, the level of which is simply not adequate to allow her to carry out her functions properly. The ombudsman was in situ for nine months before a second member of staff arrived. It appears there is no interest in supporting the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, which was established by the House.

The ombudsman is operating in what is described as an "environmentally sick building", which has extremely poor ventilation and an inadequate heating system. The position of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is an innovative one. Ireland is ahead of other countries in establishing such a position. I understand the UK authorities are considering the steps that have been taken here in this regard.

The ombudsman's caseload has increased by 192%. At the launch of her report, she apologised for the delay in issuing decisions in respect of cases. Despite what the Minister said earlier, there is surely an argument in favour of staffing her office properly and moving it to adequate accommodation. If additional staff and accommodation at a new location are provided, the ombudsman will be in a position to carry out the brief that was given to her by the House — not the Minister or his Department — and deal efficiently with the complaints received by her office. I am sure the Minister agrees that, in the interests of natural justice, complaints made to the ombudsman should be heard sooner rather than later and dealt with in an adequate manner.

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