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Patrick Anthony (Tony) McCourt was recently appointed as the new Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The Ombudsman was selected following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.
The President, on the recommendation of Government, today appointed Mr. Patrick Anthony (Tony) McCourt as the new Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The Ombudsman was selected following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.
Minister Shatter commented "I congratulate him and wish him every success in his new role as Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. Mr. McCourt brings to the position of Ombudsman wide ranging legal experience combined with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Defence Forces and all aspects of military life. No doubt he will meet the challenges presented by his new role with enthusiasm and contribute to the ongoing modernisation and improvement of the Defence Forces over the next three years by way of his work as Ombudsman."
Mr. McCourt was called to the Bar in 1980 and has been working as a practicing barrister in the Law Library since his retirement from the Defence Forces in 2010. Mr. McCourt joined the Defence Forces in 1963 as a cadet. Following a full and varied career he took up the position of Judge Advocate for the Defence Forces in 2001. He remained in this position until his appointment as Military Judge for the Defence Forces in 2007 where he presided over all courts martial until his retirement in 2010.
Mr. McCourt holds an MA in International Relations awarded by DCU and a Diploma in European Law from UCD. He is an accredited mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution of London since 2011.
The first ODF, Ms Paulyn Marrinan Quinn S.C. was appointed by the President on 19 September, 2005 and served in office for a period of 7 years in total. Her term of office expired on 18 September 2012.
Source: Department of Defence, Ireland
