John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I would like also to be associated with the good wishes expressed. I am pleased that Emily O'Reilly has been proposed for reappointment as Ombudsman. I am conscious that the original institution as ombudsman was set up in Sweden 200 years ago this year but we need the institution now more than ever. It is an institution that protects the most exposed and unprotected in the community. The sad events of recent days and the publication of the Ryan report show how important it is to be vigilant and to ensure proper practices and standards are maintained at all times. An independent Ombudsman assists in that.

The Office of the Ombudsman has existed in this country since 1984. Tens of thousands of people have been helped by the dedicated staff of the office, who are committed to raising standards of service for customers of Government Departments, the health service, local authorities and other public bodies. We owe Ms Emily O'Reilly and her predecessors a vote of thanks for their work in this area. We wish her every success in her appointment.