Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

It is with great sadness I read this report. I understand this is the second time such a report has come before the Houses of the Oireachtas in the histories of the State and the Ombudsman. The facts of the matter are clear. Compensation was awarded to a small number of families during a small period. The title of the scheme, the Lost at Sea scheme, is appropriate. It was not a good scheme. The Ombudsman has stated clearly that "the design of the scheme and the manner in which it was advertised was contrary to fair and sound administration", which is disturbing. We need to reflect on that position.

The scheme has obviously been discontinued and I am glad it has been. My heart goes out to any family that has lost people at sea. There were a number of complaints made to the Ombudsman and one, relating to the Byrne family, was upheld. A recommendation was made by the Ombudsman's office. Roughly 75% of the compensation available at the time was made available in my constituency, Galway West, which is the same as that of then Minister, Deputy Fahey. Irrespective of the position, this does not look good and needs to be justified. I am not sure it can be.

With regard to the scheme's implications for the Byrne family, the Government is making decisions. I urge it to take as much heed of the report as is possible. It should reconsider the report. The Byrne family, in particular, should be compensated, as recommended in the report. Fairness and natural justice should be evident in regard to the matter.

I have had cause to liaise with the Ombudsman in that I have advised many people to bring their cases before her office. The office is a very fair and important one and it exists for a reason. When the Ombudsman goes to such great lengths to produce a report such as the one in question for the Houses of the Oireachtas, we must pay heed to it. I am not being prescriptive as to how we should pay heed to it. I urge the Minister to take the report very seriously. To have democracy, we need to ensure proper checks and balances are in place. We have to read statements. I fully trust the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, regarding the fact that elements of the scheme were contrary to sound administration. We must take this very seriously and act upon it.