Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has provided the improved accommodation and additional human resources promised in Dáil Éireann on 2 July 2008 to help the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces deal with their increased work load; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36031/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces was established under the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004. On 19 September 2005, Ms. Paulyn Marrinan-Quinn SC was appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Government, as the first Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Her term of office was recently extended for a further three years from 19 September 2008.

I am advised that the Ombudsman has a staff level of four (4), consisting of the Ombudsman, an investigating officer, an office manager and clerical support. My officials have had discussions with the Ombudsman about the workload of the Office. However, in the light of the restrictions on public service payroll costs there are no current plans to assign additional staff to the Office.

The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. I have supported the request from the Ombudsman to the Office of Public Works for alternative accommodation. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they have identified a premises which might meet the accommodation needs of the Ombudsman. This building has been inspected by an official from the Ombudsman's office and a response is awaited from them.

I am confident that the Ombudsman will utilise all existing resources in continuing to fulfil her role. The situation will be kept under review with the Ombudsman.