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The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D., welcomes publication of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces
Annual Report 2011.

The Minister for Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter, T.D., welcomed the publication today of the Annual Report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF) for 2011. He notes the many positive developments referenced in the Ombudsman’s Report, in particular, the reduction in delays experienced in dealing with her final reports and the increasing frequency with which complaints are now settled through the redress system within the Defence Forces, thus avoiding the requirement for referral to her Office. “When I was appointed Minister, I met the Ombudsman and assured her of my commitment to support her in her work and to deal expeditiously with all cases coming before me. I am glad to see the committed work of the Defence Forces and the Department and the improvements achieved over the past year reflected in her report”, the Minister said. The Minister is committed to continuing these positive developments with the support of the Chief of Staff and the Ombudsman.

The Minister notes that the Ombudsman has suggested specific aspects of the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 that may benefit from review, amendment and extension. The Minister has recently written to Ombudsman to say that he welcomed her analysis in this regard and that he would examine her suggestions for reform. This will be done in the context of a fundamental review of the redress of wrongs procedure. The Ombudsman has positively welcomed the Minister’s proposals in this regard. Given the oversight role of the ODF, it will be important in considering any elaboration of the ODF’s role within the redress system to ensure that the independence of the office of the ODF, which is its key strength, is maintained. The review of the Redress of Wrongs system is due to commence later this year.


21 May 2012.

ENDS


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