IRELAND GAVE a lead to the rest of Europe when it established the position of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces in 2005. Since then, the work of Paulyn Marrinan Quinn has attracted international interest and she has provided information and guidance to a number of countries considering a similar initiative. Against this background, it is unfortunate that the work of the office is now being inhibited by a lack of resources.
In publishing her second annual report, Ms Quinn described the funding position as "very irritating" and warned that the work of her office could be undermined if the situation was not resolved. That should not be allowed to happen. The positive developments cited in the report, showing that members of the Air Corps and Naval Service are now using the complaints structure, along with more senior Army officers, indicate the growing importance of providing access to justice in a non-adversarial context. No matter that negative findings by the ombudsman will pose administrative problems within the rigid hierarchical structures of the Defence Forces, the morale of ordinary serving members should take precedence.
It is significant that the soldiers' representative group PDFORRA has urged an increase in funding for the office, reflecting its confidence in the independence and impartiality of the complaints procedures. During the past year, the number of complaints almost doubled. And nearly two-thirds of the complaints processed were upheld. Four cases involving bullying and harassment were received; three were rejected and one is under review. These findings reflect successful reforms within the Defence Forces where best international practice is espoused.
The modernisation of management methods within the Defence Forces poses particular problems. But progress is under way. The question of providing a remedy for successful complainants is a delicate issue that has to balance the rights of the individual with the needs of the military. Compensation or promotion, where a wrong has been done, may not always be appropriate or feasible. And Ms Quinn intends to hold discussions with all concerned in an attempt to agree appropriate remedies. It is likely to be a difficult process. But it holds the key to a measured resolution of long-standing tensions. It would be unfortunate if the withholding of necessary funding from the ombudsman's office reflected political or administrative unease with these necessary developments.