Ombudsman and Information Commissioner Emily O’Reilly elected as European Ombudsman

Ombudsman and Information Commissioner Emily O’Reilly has today been elected as European Ombudsman.  In Strasbourg this morning a majority of the European Parliament voted for Emily O’Reilly to succeed Nikiforos Diamandouros as European Ombudsman.

Six candidates from across Europe, including three MEPs, were in the running for the position and Ms O’Reilly secured a majority of the votes of MEPs in this morning's third  round of voting.

Ms O’Reilly will continue in her role as Ombudsman and Information Commissioner until 1 October 2013 after which she will formally take over as European Ombudsman.

The Director General of the Offices of the Ombudsman and Information Commissioner, Ms Bernadette McNally congratulated Ms O’Reilly on her appointment on behalf of the staff of both Offices, and also the secretariat to the Standards in Public Office Commission, and Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments. Ms O’Reilly is a member of both commissions. 

What does the European Ombudsman do?

The European Ombudsman is an independent and impartial body that investigates complaints about maladministration in EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies. Only the Court of Justice of the European Union, acting in its judicial capacity, falls outside the Ombudsman's mandate. The Ombudsman may find maladministration if an institution fails to respect fundamental rights, legal rules or principles, or the principles of good administration.  Further information is available from www.ombudsman.europa.eu

For media queries please contact:

David Nutley
Communications Officer
01 639 5610
086 023 1420 

E Mail: david.nutley@ombudsman.gov.ie

Website: www.ombudsman.gov.ie

Twitter: @officeombudsman