Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Children's Ombudsman.

Dick Spring

Question:

96 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children his intentions in relation to the establishment of an ombudsman for children; whether the Government has approved any proposals in this regard; the remit which this office will have; his intentions in relation to ensuring its independence; his intentions in relation to putting it on a statutory basis; the timescale proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5991/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Fahey)

The Government recognises the importance of establishing a mechanism to vindicate the rights of children as provided for in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and it intends to introduce such a mechanism.

I am considering the establishment of a children's ombudsman in this context. The Deputy will appreciate that the appointment of an ombudsman for children has implications for a number of Departments dealing with issues relating to children and it will be necessary to clarify departmental roles and responsibilities before the issue can be progressed. For this reason no proposals have yet been brought to Cabinet.