Nora Owen
Question:195 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Finance his plans to expand the role of the Ombudsman to include legal matters in view of the commitment in the programme for Government. [4336/02]
Written Answers. - Role of Ombudsman.
I have no plans at this stage to include proposals to expand the role of the Ombudsman to include legal matters in forthcoming Ombudsman legislation. As the Deputy is aware, the Law Society of Ireland operates a scheme introduced in October 1997 for the investigation by an independent adjudicator of complaints concerning the handling by the society of complaints about solicitors. If satisfied that there is merit in a complaint, the adjudicator may direct the society to re-investigate the complaint or refer the matter to the society's disciplinary committee. I regard this scheme as a positive development and will consider, in the light of ongoing experience with its operation, what measures in this area might be desirable and appropriate.