Alan M. Dukes
Question:42 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered the appointment of an ombudsman for Defence; and if he has had any discussions to this effect with representative military organisations. [9019/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Ombudsman.
Alan Shatter
Question:88 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered the appointment of an ombudsman for Defence; and if he has had any discussions to this effect with representative military organisations. [9163/01]
I propose to take Question Nos. 42 and 88 together.
As the House will recall, I announced last October that I had decided to proceed with the establishment of an ombudsman for the Defence Forces, the appointment of which is 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 representative associations, 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.
Discussions are taking place with both of the representative associations with a view to defining the scope and powers of a military ombudsman in terms which will meet the divergent needs of the various parties. The discussions are 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.