Vol. 97 No. 4
I have considered a request from Senator Ross to raise, on the motion for the Adjournment this evening, the following matter:—
The Delay in the Appointment of the Ombudsman.
In view of the terms of section 2 (2) of the Ombudsman Act, 1980, I rule that this matter is not admissable for discussion on the Adjournment.
On a point of order, the Ombudsman Act became law in 1980. Do I understand from your ruling, Sir, that this appointment can be made only by motion by a Member of the Dáil or Seanad? Is that the reason for your ruling?
The Chair's ruling is governed by the provisions of the Act itself. Section 2 (2) of the Act provides that the appointment of a person to be the Ombudsman shall be made by the President upon resolution passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Eireann recommending the appointment of the person. I hold that the matter is, therefore, one for the Houses.
On a further point of order, can I or any Member of this House then put down a motion concerning this appointment?
It is entirely a matter for the Members.
I shall be making an application this evening upon it.
