Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions

Annual Report 2013: Office of the Ombudsman

4:35 pm

Mr. Peter Tyndall:

I mentioned earlier that independent redress mechanisms should be available to those using public services. It is all the more important when they are not willing users of public services but are in a vulnerable and difficult position. My view is that there are a number of key areas, not just asylum but elsewhere, where redress mechanisms that must be seen to be independent are not in place. Many ombudsman institutions worldwide have extended powers in these areas precisely because of the level of vulnerability of the individuals involved and their lack of a voice. That is why the former Ombudsman called for this change and I certainly will support it, whatever it is. My personal view is that it should be an independent redress mechanism via the Office of the Ombudsman, but there must certainly be an independent mechanism for the individuals concerned.