Ulick Burke
Question:39 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to appoint a civilian Ombudsman for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the approach which he intends to take on this matter. [15179/97]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:71 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the review, if any, he has undertaken of the complaints procedures in the Defence Forces which has been described by PDFORRA as a failure; if he will appoint an Ombudsman for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23093/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 71 together.
The question of the appointment of an Ombudsman for the Defence Forces has been raised by PDFORRA under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for the Permanent Defence Force. The terms of the scheme, which have been agreed with the association, provide that discussions under it are confidential to the parties involved. Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this issue. I might add that revised complaints procedures for the Defence Forces were agreed with PDFORRA and RACO and implemented with effect from May 1996. These procedures included the appointment of an independent complaints inquiry officer to investigate grievances on behalf of the Minister. The agreement provides for a two year trial period after which a review will take place i.e., in May 1998.