Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - Ombudsman for Children.

Dick Spring

Question:

47 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health and Children to report on the progress on the establishment of an ombudsman for children; the outstanding issues to be resolved; if it is his intention to establish this office on a statutory basis from the outset; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Ms Hanafin)

On 18 April the Government authorised the drafting of the Ombudsman for Children Bill, 2000, on the lines of the general scheme attached to a memorandum which I submitted to Government. The process of drafting the Bill has now commenced with the assignment of a parliamentary draftsman.

The scope of the proposed functions is very comprehensive. This is because of the very broad range of Departments, agencies and other bodies whose responsibilities, services and actions impact on the lives of children. The office of Ombudsman for Children will provide an important additional protection for children.

The legislation will ensure that the Ombudsman for Children will be an independent office, and will be appointed by the President in a similar way to the existing Ombudsman.

The principal functions of the Ombudsman for Children to which the legislation will give effect are as follows: (i) the promotion of the welfare and rights of children and to act as a catalyst for change; (ii) responding to individual complaints in relation to public, private and voluntary bodies; (iii) the establishment of mechanisms through which there will be regular consultation with chil dren; and (iv) an advisory role to the Government.

It is intended that the office will be established in 2000.