Defence Forces’ watchdog reports big rise in cases probed

THE Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF) has reported a significant increase in the number of cases investigated by her office during 2008, with complaints up by almost 40%.

The ODF Paulyn Marrinan Quinn said a total of 106 new cases were accepted for investigation last year – an increase of 39%.

The ODF’s third annual report published yesterday reveals that almost half of all complaints relate to selection and nomination procedures for promotion and career courses, while 30% relate to alleged inappropriate behaviour or bullying. No complaints of sexual harassment were made to the ODF last year.