Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Children's Ombudsman.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

93 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is expected that the Ombudsman for Children as provided for in the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 will be appointed; the reason for the long delay in making the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27560/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The position of Ombudsman for Children was advertised in the national newspapers on 6 and 7 November. The selection process is due to be completed in the first week of December and following this a resolution will be put before the Houses of the Oireachtas recommending to the President the appointment of the Ombudsman for Children.

The selection process for appointing the Ombudsman for Children has for the first time for such a senior position in Ireland involved significant input from children and young people. Children and young people have nominated their own representatives to sit on the steering group convened to oversee the appointment, to be involved in the selection process itself by designing and taking part in the role plays and to sit on a composite interview board made up of adults, children and young people. Obviously, this took time to design, develop and put in place. The appointment of the Ombudsman for Children will be within the timeframe contained in the legislation.