Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

The amendment is merely a springboard for discussion because we have only reached the interpretation section. However, because reference has been made to the status of the ombudsman commission, I would like to get to the substantive issue. I have tabled a substantive amendment No. 184 which proposes that the office, whether it is called that of the ombudsman or ombudsman commission, should consist of only one person. That is the best way to proceed.

Deputy Costello argued on Committee Stage for the appointment of a chairman and the Minister's amendments in this regard represent some improvement. An acceptance of Deputy Costello's proposal that we should leave the door open to reduce the number of commission members to one would be a further improvement. My strong position, however, is that there should be only one person. That is what the Garda Síochána and the public want. It has worked in Northern Ireland and there is no reason it should not work here.

We have only reached the definition stage and are not at the point where I wish to push my substantive amendment. I hope this amendment will be reached and that the Government will allow us time to debate the Bill fully.

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