Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:18 Ms. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the progress, if any, which has been made in introducing a new grievance procedure into the Defence Forces as recommended in the Gleeson Commission report.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Grievance Procedure.
There is statutory provision in the Defence Act, 1954, for members of the Defence Forces to seek redress of wrongs and where cases cannot be resolved by the Military Authorities the Minister is required to inquire into the complaints and give his direction thereon.
Defence Force Regulations contain comprehensive instructions for the investigation of complaints. The Regulations also provide for the submission of grievances to specified persons including a General Officer Commanding a Command and an Officer Commanding a Brigade on the occasion of a general inspection of a military location.
The recommendation of the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces that current procedures should be reviewed, has been the subject of discussions with the Representative Associations. It was agreed to establish a sub-committee representing the Department and the Associations to consider the Redress of Wrongs and grievance procedures in the Permanent Defence Force and to produce for the Conciliation Council a report which will identify current problems and bring forward recommendations in the matter. The work of the sub-committee is in progress.