Developing and Optimising the Role of the Ombudsman
Date released: 03.02.2011
The Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, wrote yesterday (2 February 2011) to the leaders and relevant spokespersons of the political parties represented in the outgoing Dáil with her proposals on how the Ombudsman's Office can best contribute to reform of government.
In a document entitled Developing and Optimising the Role of the Ombudsman, Ms. O'Reilly makes four specific proposals which, she believes, will allow her Office to maximise its contribution to governmental reform.
The proposals are for:
- Constitutional status for the Office of Ombudsman;
- Improvement in the reporting relationship with the Oireachtas;
- Extension of the Ombudsman remit to include the prisons and all issues relating to immigration, refugees, asylum seekers and naturalisation;
- More transparent procedures for the appointment of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman has also sent her proposals to each of the outgoing independent Dáil deputies seeking re-election.
The Ombudsman's proposals are published on her Office website: www.ombudsman.ie
Further Information:
Fintan Butler - Senior Investigator, Tel: 01 639 5650, Fax 01 639 5674,
e-mail: fintan_butler@ombudsman.gov.ie
For media inquiries contact:
Dave Glynn - Head of Communications, Tel: 01 639 5714 / 087 236 1884,
email: david_glynn@ombudsman.gov.ie