Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Defence if a suitable premises has been found for the office of the Defence Forces Ombudsman in view of the inadequacy of the current office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3625/09]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals to provide appropriate accommodation for the Office of the Ombudsman to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3496/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 140 together.

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.

The Office of the Ombudsman is currently located in Hatch Street, Dublin 2. While the provision of accommodation for the Ombudsman is primarily a matter for the OPW, I am anxious to ensure that her office is provided with adequate and appropriate facilities.

The Ombudsman has sought alternative accommodation and I have supported her request to the Office of Public Works. I am advised that the OPW identified potentially suitable premises that were then inspected by officials from the Ombudsman's office. The Ombudsman has recently advised me that this particular premises was found not to meet the requirements of the Ombudsman's office and that she had advised the OPW accordingly. I have since written to the OPW, again supporting the Ombudsman's request.