Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Defence when he last met with the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. [12874/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Mr. Patrick Anthony McCourt, at a number of events over the recent past and generally discussed issues relating to his office. In the period since his appointment on 7 November 2012, 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.

Following the ODF’s most recent meeting with senior officials in my Department, I expect to meet him formally early next month. I have, of course, received a number of reports from the Ombudsman and appropriately addressed matters arising out of the reports received.