Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The right of citizens to go to the Ombudsman when dealing with public bodies is fundamental. It does a grave disservice to students for whoever drafted the scheme to exclude the right to go to the Ombudsman in the first year of its operation. Probably, it was decided there would be such a mess that the Ombudsman should not be involved at the outset but that she could become involved in a year or two when it is up and running. I would ask the Secretary General to ensure that the students are made aware of this independent appeals board because few know of it. From speaking to the media when I submitted these parliamentary questions, I am aware that it was news. It is fine to state it is on the Statute Book but the people do not know every element of statute law.

I will move on from that. I have a quick question-----