Michael Creed
Ceist:135 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence if he will appoint an ombudsman for the Defence Forces; when he expects to be in a position to finalise this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15586/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Ombudsman.
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.
I can add that my Department will shortly be in a position to make proposals to 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 which will follow are 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.