Defence Forces to get ombudsman

A DEFENCE Force ombudsman is to be appointed to deal with bullying and harassment in the military.

Defence Minister Michael Smith said the new independent body will complement and strengthen existing grievance procedures within the military.

A study last year showed that one-third of 250 female personnel surveyed complained of sexual harassment. Other personnel reported discrimination and bullying.

The two main Defence Forces representative organisations welcomed the launch of a new guide on revised policy and procedures on bullying and harassment.

The document, Interpersonal Relationships In The Defence Forces, was issued in response to the independent survey’s finding.

Both PDFORRA, the rank-and-file body, and RACO, representing commissioned officers, described the revised initiative as a positive step. RACO’s general secretary Brian O’Keeffe said: “The important thing is to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

Mr Smith said the updated policy document was a further sign of the commitment by the Government and the military to tackle problems identified by an External Advisory Committee.

He also acknowledged the positive and constructive input of the representative bodies.

“The problems cannot be solved by higher authority acting alone,” he said, “but only with full and active support at all levels.”

Mr Smith said the new office of Defence Forces ombudsman will be and impartial and independent of both the military chain of command and the department. He added also said that the implementation of the recommendations of the external advisory body, headed by Dr Eileen Doyle, was a one of his priority “It was a unified purpose of the department and the military to confront the unacceptable practices and behaviour identified in the report, and to dispel any perceptions that such practices and behaviour would be tolerated,” he said.

“I would like the message to go out loud and clear that the practices identified in the rDoyle Report have no place in the Defence Forces.”

Within the past year, a confidential round-the-clock helpline and counselling service has been as established, as one of a number of planned new initiatives. The number is 1800 409388.

Business body IBEC and the Dublin Institute of Technology will also have key roles in advising on and monitoring on workplace grievances within the defence forces.