Vol. 524 No. 5
111 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence when the promised Ombudsman for the Defence Forces will be appointed; the proposed terms of reference for the Ombudsman; if legislation will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/00]
The question of the appointment of an Ombudsman for the Defence Forces is now being dealt with 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 at conciliation and arbitration are confidential to the parties involved. Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on this issue.
However, I can inform the Deputy that I have decided that the time is now ripe to proceed with the establishment of a legislative Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. In establishing this office we must ensure that we provide a credible grievance system which is fair to all members of the forces while at the same time safeguarding the operational flexibility of the Defence Forces. Discussions will now take place with the representative associations in order to define the powers and scope of a military Ombudsman that will meet the needs of the various parties. I would also like to point out to the Deputy that pursuant to the provisions of the Ombudsman Act, 1980, military personnel may make complaints against my Department to the Ombudsman appointed under that Act.
The discussion process is also likely to result in an updating of the existing internal complaints procedures. As soon as those discussions are completed I will make the necessary legislative arrangements to give effect to the Ombudsman proposal.
