asked the Minister for the Public Service if it is his intention to establish the office of Ombudsman; if so, if he will outline the cost.
Written Answers. - Appointment of Ombudsman.
669.
As the Deputy is probably aware the previous Government made no provision in the Estimates for 1983 for the establishment of the office; accordingly, resources are not available in the current year to set up the office. However, I wish to assure the Deputy that, within these constraints, it is my intention to have the office of Ombudsman established as soon as possible.
As regards the cost of the office of Ombudsman the Ombudsman Act, 1980 provides that the person appointed as Ombudsman be paid a salary equivalent to that of a High Court Judge.
Additional costs relating to staff salaries, office expenses etc. would also arise and these will be directly related to the volume of work coming before the Ombudsman.