asked the Minister for Finance if, in the light of the comments made in the Ombudsman's report for 1986, he intends to issue any instructions to Departments to ensure that full co-operation is extended to the Ombudsman and his staff in their investigations.
Written Answers. - Ombudsman's Report.
19.
I am most anxious to ensure that the Ombudsman receives the fullest co-operation from all public bodies and persons whose actions are subject to his investigation. The Ombudsman has said in his 1986 report that he appreciates very much the co-operation "of the great majority of public servants". Moreover, he also points out that, while on a few occasions confrontation between his office and public service bodies took place during the course of his investigations, in all such cases his recommendations were accepted.
I should mention that when the Ombudsman was appointed, all Departments were formally requested to give him every assistance in the discharge of his statutory duties. Departments were also instructed to adopt certain procedures which would help to ensure a good working relationship between the Ombudsman and Departments. A copy of that circular has been deposited in the Oireachtas Library.
If I felt that the Ombudsman was not being accorded the respect and co-operation which his office warrants, I can assure the Deputy that I would take appropriate action. I do not consider that the comments made by the Ombudsman in his last report call for such intervention on my part at this stage.