Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Tyndall agus gabhaim comhghairdeachas leis as a ainmniúcháin don phost seo. I congratulate him on his nomination to this position. This is a relatively new committee but we have had a very good engagement with the current Ombudsman. Mr. Tyndall is probably very well aware that he has some big boots to fill because she did a fantastic job. I am sure Mr. Tyndall will be an able successor, even though his approach, perspective and experiences are different. I agree that the interaction with this committee will be key. My own sense is that the previous Ombudsman encountered a sense of belligerence from certain Departments and agencies in their reactions to some of her reports. Hers was not an easy task. However, following meetings with this committee, some of the issues were moved forward and resolved and that is a very positive development. Mr. Tyndall will work closely with other ombudsmen in the State who are doing very good work. I have two areas of particular interest. I am interested that Mr. Tyndall was based in Wales and the Welsh language is a very important and integral part of the fabric of the community there. I am an Irish speaker and we have a Language Commissioner. There are proposals for the amalgamation of the Office of the Language Commissioner and the Office of the Ombudsman. I ask Mr. Tyndall to give his opinion on this proposal and also to talk about any issues he may have encountered in dealing with bilingual issues in Wales which might be useful in the context of his new role.

He referred to the extension of the remit of the office. His predecessor, Ms Emily O'Reilly, was very strong in her opinion. She asked that particular sectors should be included in the amended legislation, such as groups of people who do not have recourse to a complaints system. I refer specifically to those living in direct provision. I acknowledge Mr. Tyndall is new and he faces a task of work which includes an extended remit. I ask Mr. Tyndall not to let that ball drop. The extension of the remit is badly needed. I wish him well. This committee is here to support him. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leis sa ról nua atá aige. Beidh muid anseo le gach tacaíocht a thabhairt dó.