Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the first matter on Aras Attracta and the comments made this morning by the Ombudsman, to whom I listened, the Oireachtas enacted new strong powers for the Ombudsman in the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act 2012 which gives him, in the instance of an institution such as Aras Attracta, the authority to enter, to seize documents and to interview people. These are compelling and strong powers that he indicated he had. It is a facility that is available to any citizen, who feels there is no proper response at local level from a public service provider, to access the Office of the Ombudsman. I have sent many of my own constituents in that direction if they had an inadequate response to a local complaint. They will find they will get a good response from the Office of the Ombudsman.

In respect of Childline, I agree it should continue as a facility and I hope the ongoing discussions with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will facilitate that. The Deputy's last question was in respect of the consolidated domestic violence Bill. The Bill will come before the House next year.

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