Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 20:

In page 20, line 16, after "manner" to insert "(including by any informal means)".

While Deputy Rabbitte's amendment No. 21 is similar, I will give the rationale in respect of amendment No. 20. Section 23 was examined in the light of the Committee debate on the matter of resolution of complaints by the Ombudsman. I agreed with the views expressed then that there would be value in making reference in the Bill to informal resolution of complaints where appropriate.

In this regard, amendment No. 20 gives statutory guidance to the Ombudsman to make it clear that he may resolve complaints by informal means if appropriate. On Deputy Rabbitte's amendment No. 21, we have moved in his direction in meeting the objective of encouraging informal resolution of complaints where appropriate. Amendment No. 20 addresses the situation.

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