THE NUMBER of cases investigated by the Defence Forces Ombudsman increased by almost 40 per cent last year, according to a report launched yesterday.
Some 106 cases, including 32 cases of bullying, were investigated by ombudsman Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, who said the increase was a vote of confidence in the independence of her office.
She also said civilian oversight of the military was very important because closed, hierarchical organisations were “ripe” for bullying and abuse.
The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces office was established in December 2005, following investigations into bullying allegations in the Army.
Of the 106 cases investigated in 2008, 33 related to selection procedures for promotion and 32 cases related to inappropriate behaviour or bullying.
The remaining cases related to complaints about the selection procedure for career courses, overseas service and administration procedures. There were no complaints of sexual harassment.
Some 92 per cent of the claims came from men, and 95 per cent of the Defence Forces are men.
Of the 34 final reports issued in 2008, almost 60 per cent were upheld in favour of the complainant.
A further 123 cases referred to Ms Quinn fell outside the remit of her office, up from 38 cases in 2007. The majority were the subject of disciplinary proceedings.