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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 7

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Ombudsman.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

92 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence if he will appoint a civilian ombudsman for the Defence Forces; if he will make a statement on the approach which he intends to take on this matter; and if he will outline the time-table. [4818/98]

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, in May of this year.

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