Mr. Justice Alan Mahon:

There are the three areas I mentioned towards the end of my opening statement, namely, extending the limitation period, adding to the categories in section 4, and there is own initiative, or what is sometimes called own motion, inquiries, which would be of significant benefit. At the moment I have to get a complainant raising a particular risk for me to investigate and report on that particular issue, whereas you do see complaints which perhaps you might feel should be addressed in more general terms. I would welcome the power to conduct own initiative inquiries. The Ombudsman for public services in Ireland has it, as do the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman services. It is a power that has been generally provided to ombudsman institutions around the globe, so that would be very welcome.