(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Finance if it is his intention to have a review of the staffing of the office of the Ombudsman carried out by officers of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
35.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ombudsman's Office.
40.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the terms of reference of the proposed review of staffing levels in the Office of the Ombudsman; the person (s) by whom the review will be undertaken; when the review is likely to be completed; if the results of the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 35 together.
The question of a possible special review of staffing levels and efficiency in the Office of the Ombudsman is being examined in my Department. I am not in a position to make a statement on the matter at this time.
The Minister is helpless.
(Limerick East): By way of supplementary, would the Minister translate that reply for me and be slightly more expansive.
He does not know what he is talking about.
He might know as much in relation to what he is talking about as the Deputy. I have given the factual information and if the Deputy does not like it that is not my fault. The Deputy should have been here in 1927 and introduced a different Act in relation to the previous question. I have already given the factual position, that a special review of staffing levels is being examined in my Department at present.
(Limerick East): What exactly is being examined — whether or not there will be a review or the nature of the review?
We will have a review, as I think was suggested by the Deputy's party last week or the week before. If that matter had been proceeded with I would have accepted the Deputy's view at the time. The question of that special review — who will do it, for example, whether it is the management services unit, what criteria they will have and the permission and co-operation of the Ombudsman — all of these matters are being examined and that is why I am not in a position to say any more at present.
(Limerick East): Can I take it that the Minister had decided in principle to have a review carried out by some appropriate body?
The answer to that is "yes", but I am waiting for confirmation from the Department of their best advice and the outcome of contacts with the Ombudsman's office. I believe myself that the management services unit of the Department of Finance are the body best suited to carry out such a staffing and efficiency review.