Defence Forces Ombudsman Complaints

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 May 2014

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Questions (338)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

338. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954, as amended, by serving members of the Defence Forces that were handled internally through the Defence Forces' redress of wrongs procedure in 2011, 2012 and in 2013; the number that had progressed to the satisfaction of the complainant within 28 days of the complaint being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20000/14]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

Section 114 of the Defence Act, 1954, as amended provides a mechanism whereby any member of the Defence Forces who believes themselves wronged in any matter by any superior or other person may seek redress to the perceived wrong. The objective of the process is to resolve grievances at the earliest possible point within the military structure. The following statistics refer to complaints which were dealt with internally through the Defence Forces’ redress of wrong procedure and were not referred onward to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces.

Complaints under section 114 of the Defence Act, 1954, as amended by serving members of the Defence Forces

Year	No. handled internally	No. progressed internally to satisfaction of complainant within 28 days
2011	64	21
2012	90	22
2013	89	29