Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, and I believe that they will be. It is one of the reasons that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, was waiting to get the initial report before finalising the terms of reference. For example, much comment has been made about the media coverage of these cases. That may well form part of a range of issues which need to be considered. On any necessary matters which should come within the scope, it is up to the Ombudsman to decide, under the terms of reference of the Act under which she operates, how broad her investigation can be. Under the terms of reference she already has by virtue of that Act, she has a great deal of leeway.

Equally, the area where the terms of reference, as Deputy Wallace correctly states, must be drawn up is in relation to the Garda Síochána because it does not come under her remit at present and must be provided for specially by section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended by section 42 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007, to conduct an inquiry.

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