John Bruton
Question:107 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a full report on a case of harassment in the Defence Forces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3323/01]
Written Answers. - Harassment of Soldier.
In the specific case raised by the Deputy, the person concerned was interviewed by his commanding officer in November 2000. His allegation that he was being bullied were discussed. The individual has made an application for transfer to another unit. The company commander later informed the individual in question that the requested transfer would not be possible because no appropriate vacancy exists in the unit to which he wished to transfer. The claims of alleged bullying and intimidation were investigated by the military authorities, who could find no evidence or foundation for the allegations. Shortly after the interview in November 2000 the individual informed his unit commander that he was applying for discharge.
I understand that the facilities of the Defence Forces personnel support service are being availed of by the individual. The military authorities advise that the individual in question, a serving member of the Defence Forces, has available to him the "Redress of Wrongs" complaints procedures as provided by Section 114 of the Defence Act, 1954. Additional procedures are provided for by the administrative instruction on interpersonal relationships in cases involving alleged bullying. These procedures have been agreed with the representative associations and have been brought to the attention of all personnel. There is, therefore, provision for redress through the normal military channels if a complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of a preliminary investigation. If a complainant is still dissatisfied, s/he has the right to have the matter referred on to the independent complaints inquiry officer who has wide powers of investigation and who reports directly to the Minister with his recommendations on each case referred to him.
Personnel usually report any alleged complaints of bullying through the normal chain of command in the first instance. However, if personnel do not wish to report through usual military channels, they may enlist the advice and assistance of specialist welfare staff such as chaplains, medical officers, Defence Forces psychologists, members of the personnel support service or a liaison officer.