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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 4

Written Answers. - Ombudsman's Remit.

Richard Bruton

Question:

104 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the 1996 Annual Report of the Ombudsman, in particular the reference to the Health and Safety Authority and FÁS; his views on extending the remit of the Ombudsman to cover these agencies; his views on the Ombudsman's suggestion that his remit can be extended without the need for legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16390/98]

As I have already indicated in response to earlier questions, a draft scheme of a Bill to extend the remit of the Ombudsman to cover a number of new areas (including the non-commercial State bodies) has been circulated to Departments for their views, prior to being submitted to Government.

While it is the case that bodies such as the Health and Safety Authority and FÁS can be brought within the remit of the Ombudsman by means of an order under the existing legislation, I think it will be accepted that where a substantial extension of that remit is being considered, as is the case in this instance, it would be preferable to bring forward proposals for amending legislation so that what is being proposed can be fully debated in this House and in the Seanad.

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