Complaints to Defence Forces’ watchdog drop

IT IS “increasingly difficult” to provide redress to members of the Defence Forces who have been victims of failings in the promotions process because of the ban on public sector recruitment.

The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces also said she was concerned at “lengthening delays” in getting responses from the minister for defence to her final reports.

Paulyn Marrinan Quinn SC pointed out that almost 40% of her final reports were not accepted by the minister last year, compared to about 10% in 2006.

Her annual report for 2010 shows that the total number of complaints continued to drop last year, to 116, from 124 in 2009 and a peak of 229 in 2008.

Of the 105 cases that were accepted for examination by her office in 2010:

- 37 (or 35%) related to promotions.

- 28 (or 27%) concerned alleged inappropriate behaviour or bullying.

- 14 (or 13%) were about career administrative processes.

- 11 (or 10%) related to non-selection for a career course.

As in 2009, there were no complaints of sexual harassment.

“Many cases referred to my office concerned matters to do with promotion and selection procedural fairness and transparency,” said Ms Marrinan Quinn.

“To this end, when a case is upheld, the most appropriate redress is often another promotion competition; an opportunity to serve on an overseas mission or a chance to acquire a place on a career course.

“However, given the impact of the downturn, fewer remedies of this nature can become effective.”

The report shows that 6% of complaints were from female members in 2010, the same as 2009, and down from a peak of 11% in 2007.

The army accounts for 70% of complaints, followed by the air corps (16%) and the naval service (14%).

Ms Marrinan Quinn said she completed 48 final reports in 2010, 38% of which upheld or partially upheld the complaint.

She commented on the “low ratio” of acceptance of her findings by the defence minister. This has fallen significantly over the years, from 87% acceptance in 2006 to 64% acceptance in 2010.

Work life

SOLDIERS, pilots and sailors are calling on Defence Minister Alan Shatter to extend their working lives by 10 years.

Recruits who joined the Defence Forces after 1994 can work for a maximum of 21 years, depending on training, health and fitness and overseas service.

But PDFORRA, which represents 8,000 enlisted members, wants the maximum work life to be extended to 31 years.

“It makes no practical sense to dismiss personnel on reaching 21 years’ service,” said Simon Devereux, deputy general secretary of PDFORRA.

“Many of these people will be at their very peak in terms of output — and large numbers will be technically qualified, after years of training and very specific skills development. Our most critical work is peacekeeping, where experience and training are key issues across a range of specialities.”