Killeen 'ignored' Defence complaints

Former minister for defence Tony Killeen failed to respond to almost half of the reports sent to him last year by Defence Forces Ombudsman Paulyn Marrinan Quinn containing the findings of investigations she carried out into complaints from military personnel.

The reports that were ignored contained suggested remedies to the issues raised by the complainants.

Ms Marrinan Quinn noted the lack of a response to 19 final reports last year was an increase from 2009, when 13 final reports containing investigations' findings and suggested remedies went unanswered.

However, since the Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter had been appointed, he had brought a new efficiency to reviewing the Ombudsman's final reports and replying to them, she said.

Ms Marrinan Quinn made her comments at the unveiling of her annual report in Dublin today. The number of complaints dealt with by the Ombudsman last year, at 116, was broadly in line with the 124 complaints dealt with in 2009.

In 2008 some 229 complaints were dealt with, the highest ever level.

All cases considered by the Ombudsman have already worked their way through the Defence Forces' internal complaints procedures and can then be referred on to the Ombudsman, effectively as appeals to the outcome of the internal procedures.

Of the 116 complaints dealt with last year, some 105 were accepted for examination, while 11 were discontinued.

The most common complaint dealt with related to non-selection for a promotion, accounting for 35 per cent of all cases. Alleged inappropriate behaviour or bullying accounted for 27 per cent of cases.

There were a smaller number of cases for a range of different complaint types including non-selection for career courses and non-selection for overseas duties.

Ms Marrinan Quinn said when she finds in favour of a complainant the usual remedy she suggests to the Minister is another promotion opportunity, or place on an overseas mission or a careers course. "However, given the impact of the downturn fewer remedies of this nature can become effective," she said.

There were no complaints last year regarding sexual harassment.

Ms Marrinan Quinn was appointed almost six years ago as the first Defence Forces Ombudsman. Her appointment followed repeated assertions by Defence Forces' representative bodies that members were reluctant to report bullying.

Research into bullying in the Defence Forces had revealed one in four members has been victimised in this way at some point. Legislation providing for a Defence Forces Ombudsman was first enacted over six years ago.

Any member of the Defence Forces can take their grievance to the office holder if they have exhausted the internal disciplinary procedures and believe they have not been treated fairly.

Anybody whose complaint is not dealt with within a 28-day period can bypass the internal system and go straight to the Defence Forces Ombudsman.