Theresa Ahearn
Question:35 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to appoint a civilian ombudsman to the Defence Forces. [16600/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Ombudsman.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:105 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to appoint a civilian ombudsman to the Defence Forces. [16816/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 105 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. The procedures provide for the appointment of an independent complaints inquiry officer to investigate grievances on behalf of the Minister. All complaints, other than the most trivial or vexatious, are referred to him by the Minister. The agreement also provided that the revised complaints procedures should operate on a trial basis for two years, after which a review of the procedures should take place. This review is now being undertaken by sub-committees of the conciliation council established for that purpose. I am hopeful that agreement on reviewed procedures will be reached without undue delay.