Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The primary role of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces, which is provided for in the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004, is to provide an independent appeals process for members of the Defence Forces. Such appeals arise where a complaint has been processed through the internal Defence Forces “redress of wrongs” process but the member remains dissatisfied with the outcome or the manner in which the complaint was handled. The 2004 Act also provides that, subject to certain conditions, the ombudsman may accept complaints directly from former members of the Defence Forces. The office of the ombudsman is now well established and a number of administrative and systemic issues identified by the outgoing ombudsman have been addressed. This has contributed to improvements in procedures and policies within the Defence Forces.

Recent trends show a significant increase in the number of redress of wrongs complaints being resolved within the military system, thus reducing the number of cases being referred to the ombudsman for investigation, a fact I very much welcome. In addition, it is anticipated that the new and comprehensive promotion system for NCOs agreed and introduced earlier this year will eliminate the many complaint referrals to the ombudsman relating to promotion. Such referrals currently account for about a third of the caseload in the ombudsman’s office. Against this background, the post of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is being filled on a part-time, three day week basis, subject to ongoing review of caseload and referrals.

I can now inform the House that yesterday the Government decided, on foot of a recommendation from me, that it would advise the President to appoint Mr. Patrick Anthony McCourt as Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for a period of three years. The warrant appointing Mr. McCourt to the post is currently with the President for signature. Mr. McCourt was recommended for the post by the Public Appointments Service following an open competition.

There are no plans currently for changes in the role of the ombudsman or to amend the legislation in relation to the powers or functions of the ombudsman.

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