Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring:

On the use of the Internet, people can make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, on the phone or use a laptop or desktop computer. That is clearly the way forward. We also have provision for a number of languages available when making a complaint because we have seen an increase in that regard. It is a challenge.

All ombudsman offices, no more than any public body, need an IT section that is capable of meeting challenges and keeping the organisation ahead of the posse, so to speak. As Mr. Tyndall has mentioned, the past 12 months have done away with much old practice that we thought we could never eliminate. It also means we must be able to pivot properly and have the capability to back up changes with an IT section, including, for example, somebody to maintain the Twitter feed or keep the website up to date. In fairness, not every ombudsman office has that capacity. Perhaps having a body like the committee where such matters can be discussed and concerns may be relayed to the Departments responsible for justice and children matters, for example, is required so we can have the support of people understanding the importance of all ombudsman offices being able to interact with the public in the new ways we all meet every day.