Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Ombudsman's Remit.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

161 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he will amend the regulations governing the Office of the Ombudsman and its remit to include the operation of area-based partnerships, county enterprise boards, Leader companies and other such bodies established in recent years to disburse significant funds, both EU and Exchequer, to promote local development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17911/97]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has committed itself, in An Action Programme for the Millennium, to expanding the remit of the Ombudsman. Proposals to this end are at present being examined and will be brought forward in due course. The question of including various entities, such as those mentioned in the question, within the Ombudsman's remit is being considered in that context.