Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I regard it as important that the conclusions of the Ombudsman are taken seriously, that they are reflected upon in the manner in which the legislation envisages and that, ultimately, a decision is made by the Minister as to whether to fully implement recommendations made or whether circumstances arise, which create a difficulty in that regard. I paid particular regard to the outstanding reports from the Ombudsman which I discovered existed when I took office. I am committed to ensuring where individual members of the Defence Forces have a grievance, which results in a request by them for the Ombudsman's intervention, that following the Ombudsman completing that process, the role that the Minister is required by statute to play is played with reasonable speed and that decisions are made.

With regard to the timeframe for the new promotions system, I expect that will be in place relatively shortly. I do not want to give an absolute date but it will be done within a short time.

See this speech in context