Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate your guidance on that. What we will do regarding the first clarification point is state we are aware that discussions are ongoing and that we encourage a positive approach. Second, we will refer to our committee's findings and obviously those of Mr. Justice McMahon and the working group.

When the Ombudsman for Children appeared before us, we dealt with professional legal privilege. Whenever ombudsmen's offices are dealing with Departments, this is often used, rightly or wrongly, as a device that can prevent clarification. We would like Mr. Tyndall's thoughts on that.

Every time the Ombudsman appears before us, he raises issues of concern at a given time. He publishes his annual report. This committee often says it will revisit issues and report back in six months. We build it into the report. Has the Office of the Ombudsman considered for its annual reports revisiting issues outstanding from the previous year as an accountability device? I am sure the office does that, but could it be done in a more clear format? An issue that has not been addressed and that must be revisited in an annual report should automatically form part of a submission to our committee so it may be addressed. The objective is to ensure the very structures of government respond to genuine concerns and respect the office.