Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 54 together.

As a preliminary to appointment by the Government of the Legal Services Ombudsman in accordance with section 5 of the Legal Services Ombudsman Act 2009, my Department is in dialogue with the Department of Finance on the details of the arrangements for the appointment of the ombudsman and the establishment of his or her office. My Department also continues to be in consultation with the Bar Council and the Law Society who will be responsible for funding of the office.

The Act of 2009 specifies certain policies and principles in regard to the levy to be paid by the Bar Council and the Law Society to cover the approved expenses of the ombudsman. My Department is considering the form the regulations should take for the purposes of the Act. Consultation between my Department and relevant interests on the making of such regulations is also a necessary feature of that process. It is important that the office be established on the most effective cost basis.

I hope to be in a position soon to announce the details of the arrangements for the appointment of the ombudsman and the establishment of the office, subject to securing early agreement with the parties mentioned above.

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