asked the Minister for the Public Service the action which has been taken by him to implement the many important recommendations for legislative change in the Ombudsman's Report, 1984.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ombudsman's Report.
25.
I brought the anomalies listed in the Ombudsman's report to the attention of the Government who have agreed that each Minister concerned should examine carefully the cost of removing the anomalies and, in so far as it is possible to do so within the resources available, take appropriate action to remove them. Two of the anomalies have already been remedied; proposals are being developed in three cases and the report of the Commission on Social Welfare is being awaited in a further case. The remaining two cases are under examination.
I welcome the Minister's reply. Has he any information on social welfare, because it is that Department which mainly concerns the Ombudsman, particularly in relation to the question of averaging requirements for contributory old age pensioners. I realise the Minister is not in a position to answer social welfare questions but perhaps he could say if there is an intention to amend the averaging clause in the next budget, or if it is the Government's intention to do so.
I understand that that is one of the two remaining cases under examination departmentally at present. Obviously, as the Deputy said, it would not be within my competence to go in detail into that examination.
As regards the question of co-operation between Departments, which is mentioned throughout the report, would the Minister say if the difficulties referred to in the 1984 report have been overcome?
I hope the question of co-operation with the Ombudsman is exercising the minds of the relevant officials in each Department. I addressed myself to this topic on two occasions recently during the debate in the other House on the first annual report of the Ombudsman, and I hope this House will give Members an opportunity in the near future to debate the motion on the Order Paper dealing with this first report.