As the Deputy is aware, the Ombudsman for Children is an independent officer of the State and accounts for her statutory functions to the Oireachtas. As Minister, I have certain functions and responsibilities for the Ombudsman for Children's office under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. This primarily relates to governance matters, most notably the funding of the Ombudsman for Children's office through the Vote of my Department.

The Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan, has not yet published her annual report for 2012. I know it is the practice of the ombudsman to provide a full analysis of the number and nature of complaints received when she produces her annual report to the Oireachtas in due course. I am aware that a figure of 1,200 was mentioned in recent media coverage of the impact of new legislative measures that took effect on 1 May 2013 for both the Ombudsman, Ms. Emily O'Reilly, and the Ombudsman for Children. However, the Ombudsman for Children's office has confirmed that the number of complaints received in 2012 was, in fact, 1,465. By comparison, the number of complaints received in 2011 was 1,393, so there was an increase of approximately 100.

It is a matter for each Minister, including myself as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, together with our respective Departments, to consider the issues raised by Ms Logan, not only in her reports to the Oireachtas but on an ongoing basis in our respective dealings with the Ombudsman for Children's office, through the mechanisms provided in the legislation that applies. Clearly, the Ombudsman for Children has performed a valuable ongoing role in advancing the rights and welfare of children in Ireland since her appointment to that role in 2004. She is in constant contact with Oireachtas committees and provides advices to Government on legislation. Representatives from her office were recently working with us on the development of the Children First legislation and she also, in a public way, highlights various policies and practices affecting the lives of children which need to be changed. The Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 provides that, in the performance of her complaints and investigative functions, she of course has regard to the best interests of the child.

I have met Ms. Logan on quite a number of occasions and I have taken the opportunity to get a first-hand account of the areas about which she is concerned. As I said, we liaise with her office on an ongoing basis in regard to legislation and services. We review the ombudsman's report when it comes in, as we want to identify patterns or concerns that would benefit from further policy consideration.

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