Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I have received the same correspondence as Deputy Enright. I understand the Office of the Ombudsman wanted to add the education finance board to Part 1 of the First Schedule of the Ombudsman Act. That is not exactly what amendment No. 21 provides. The powers provided to the Ombudsman by the amendment would have been stronger if they were provided in Part 1 of the First Schedule to the Act which would give additional powers on maladministration etc. Can the Minister clarify if that is what the Office of the Ombudsman wanted? While the statutory instrument approach the Minister described in respect of the Freedom of Information Act may be envisaged, it would be preferable to provide powers under the Schedule to the Ombudsman Act to place the board fully under the Ombudsman's remit.

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