Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the proposal that there be a six month timeframe for enactment. From my limited practical experience in representing people who have had dealings with the Ombudsman on complaints about the Health Service Executive, a local authority or the Department of Social Protection, I have noted that the complaint may not have not gone through the full review process within the organisation. It will take time for staff in the organisations that will come under the Bill to be trained and have a full appreciation of what is entailed. There is nothing more frustrating for the public to have a complaint sent back to the original body by the Ombudsman because procedures were not dealt with properly in the first instance. I would be worried if the legislation took effect next week as some bodies may not have had the opportunity to put their procedures in place. While the Bill dates from 2008, it would be a good autumn’s work if we were to have it up and running by next spring.

I understand Deputy Mary Lou McDonald’s point about the process dragging out too long and how she wants to have the Bill enacted immediately. However, such undue haste may cause administrative problems and I would prefer to roll it out smoothly in the months ahead.

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