Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Defence when he will move the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces to alternative accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42777/08]

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 the 19th 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 19th September 2008.

The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. The Ombudsman has sought alternative accommodation and I have supported her request to the Office of Public Works in this regard. I understand that the Office of Public Works has identified a premises which has been inspected by an official from the Ombudsman's office. I understand that the Ombudsman is awaiting responses from the OPW regarding some issues that she raised before finalising her response.