Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

We do not know what the consequences will be. I agree with Deputy Sherlock that the Office of the Ombudsman is being called into question here. It is an independent constitutional office and this is the second time in 25 years that it has put a report before the Oireachtas. The last occasion involved a Revenue Commissioners case and the Government of the day had to agree with the Ombudsman's recommendations and settle with the aggrieved party. Where does the Office of the Ombudsman stand now, given the attitude of the Government to this report? Serious deficiencies and flaws have been outlined in the Lost at Sea report by the Ombudsman. In what regard does the Minister hold the report? Deputy Sherlock has said he is disregarding it. I remind the Minister that there are 60 other families, who did not send a complaint to the Ombudsman.

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