Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason that a person who lodged a redress of wrong on 22 July 2021 has not received a reply, despite an obligation to have a reply within three months. [5581/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Chief of Staff has overall responsibility for the Redress of Wrongs process, under Section 114 of the Defence Act, within the Defence Forces. While I am notified of a Redress of Wrongs complaint, as provided in the Defence Act, the process operates independently of myself, as the Minister.

While I cannot comment on individual cases subject to internal investigation through the Redress of Wrongs (RoW) process, I have nevertheless sought an update from the Military Authorities and have been informed that matter remains under investigation.

I am also advised that that Administrative Instruction A7 outlines a timeframe for such complaints, from initiation to decision by the Chief of Staff.

Administrative Instruction A7 provides a formal mechanism for members, under Section 114 (1) and 114 (2) of the Defence Act, 1954, to seek redress of wrongs or to make a complaint. The objective of the process is to resolve grievances at the earliest possible point within the military structure.

Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing to the complainants Commanding Officer, or in the case where they feel themselves wronged by their Commanding Officer, may complain to the Chief of Staff. If a complaint cannot be resolved at Formation level, it is forwarded to the Chief of Staff for his considered ruling on the matter. Under this mechanism, if a complaint remains unresolved after the Chief of Staff's review, it can be referred to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF).

The Ombudsman is entirely independent in carrying out his functions in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act, 2004, and his final report, which may include a recommendation on each complaint, is submitted to me for determination.

I would point out also that under the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act, a serving member may also submit a complaint directly to the Ombudsman, without recourse to the Redress of Wrong system.