Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I support this important amendment. When the Ombudsman for Children Act was debated in the House, there was much discussion on that ombudsman's role being proactive in investigating policy areas, such as the condition of schools and in the operation of his or hers functions. Giving an ombudsman an independent proactive role is important.

The Bill states that the ombudsman can only operate on the basis of a complaint received. However, areas and practices in the Defence Forces may come to the ombudsman's attention which he or she believes to be the subject of investigation. Without a complaint he or she cannot do so. The ombudsman must have the power to independently initiate investigations, particularly on issues that come to public attention through the media, but have not been the subject of complaint from a member of the Defence Forces. This amendment provides for a valuable function in this regard and I ask the Minister to give it positive consideration.