Forces ombudsman to tackle bullying

RANK and file members of the Defence Forces have welcomed moves to appoint an ombudsman to investigate and adjudicate on complaints, including victimisation, bullying, harassment and promotion issues.

The €95,000 a year post has been advertised by the Public Appointments Service and it is expected he or she will be in place before the end of the summer.

While much of the ombudsman’s work is likely to involve dealing with complaints over promotions, the new office will also be able to probe reports of bullying and harassment.

Gerry Rooney, PDFORRA general secretary, welcoming the appointment, said he expects the ombudsman to deal with a high number of complaints, at least initially. “I think there will be a build up of cases as people have been waiting for the ombudsman to start work,” said Mr Rooney.

The ombudsman will be the last point of appeal for serving members of the forces as they will still have to first make a complaint through the normal military channels. Former members can also complain to the new authority.

However, copies of all reports will be sent to the ombudsman, who will have the right to launch his or her own investigation.

There has been contradictory reports on the level of harassment and intimidation within the forces, while moves have been made in recent times to tackle problems highlighted in the Doyle Report published in March 2002.

The report revealed cases of bullying and intimidation of members, who also felt they could achieve little remedy through the existing internal complaints system. The report also claimed 30% of female soldiers experience sexual harassment.

An anti-harassment code was drawn up and introduced in late 2003. A confidential hotline was also set up to take calls from individuals who believed they were victims of harassment.

PDFORRA believes the ombudsman is likely to be dealing more with complaints over the application of the processes of selection, promotion, courses and overseas postings. The staff body believes complaints will be dealt with quicker and more effectively than the present procedures.

A Department of Defence spokesman promised the ombudsman will be independent and have wide ranging discretion over what to investigate.

However, the ombudsman will not be able to interfere in an operational issue, if the complaint is closely linked to an existing outside legal action or military investigation. Complaints cannot be made about terms and conditions of employment. The ombudsman has to issue an annual report.