David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the Defence Forces ombudsman, including powers and functions and date of commencement of the role; if the ombudsman will be able to investigate complaints by persons who are no longer members of the Defence Forces; the way in which the ombudsman can be contacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5658/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The person appointed to be the ombudsman for the Defence Forces will be selected through a process of open public competition held by the Public Appointments Service. This competition will be advertised as soon as possible.

As regards the matter of former members of the Defence Forces making application to the Defence Forces ombudsman, on his-her appointment, the position is that the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 generally provides that both serving and former members of the Defence Forces may make an application within 12 months of the occurrence of an action complained of or within 12 months of the applicant having become aware of the action complained of. However, members and former members of the Defence Forces will not be able to make application to the Defence Forces ombudsman in regard to a matter which pre-dates the commencement of the legislation. Complaints made by serving members of the Defence Forces relating to matters pre-dating the commencement of the legislation may be submitted to the Minister through the structured redress of wrongs process, as at present, on a transitional basis when the new legislation is commenced.