Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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26. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of meetings he has had with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces since the appointment of the current incumbent in that post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5569/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The current Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF), Mr. Patrick Anthony McCourt, was appointed with effect from 7 November 2012. In the period since his appointment, a number of meetings have taken place involving Mr. McCourt and senior officials from the Department of Defence. In addition, there is ongoing contact between staff from the Office of the ODF, the Defence Forces and the Department to address issues as they arise. Meetings are arranged at official level on a regular basis to progress issues arising from cases investigated by the ODF.

I have met the Ombudsman at a number of events over the recent past and discussed issues relating to his office. Following his most recent meeting with senior officials in my Department, I expect to meet him formally in the near future. I have, of course, received a number of reports from the Ombudsman and appropriately addressed matters arising out of the reports received.