Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Connick, who is a proud New Ross man. He is very welcome.

I concur with Senator Boyle's assessment of the matter. The relationship between the Ombudsman and the Houses of the Oireachtas is the key issue. The section of the relevant Act setting out how the Oireachtas should deal with the Ombudsman's reports seems to be slightly vague. Ms O'Reilly has described the option of sending reports to the Oireachtas as a "nuclear" one. The manner in which such reports should be dealt with when they are sent to the Oireachtas appears to be somewhat unclear. It is clear that the Ombudsman - the same person will not have that role all the time - should have an opportunity to bring his or her own views to the Houses of the Oireachtas, for example, at committee level. When matters of this nature are debated in the Seanad, it would be welcome if the Ombudsman had an opportunity to put his or her case before us. That would have been extremely helpful, particularly if we had an opportunity to put questions and receive answers.

The role of the Ombudsman is very important. I have used the Office of the Ombudsman on a number of occasions as a public representative and I am sure many public representatives have suggested to constituents to refer matters to the Ombudsman, particularly Opposition Members. I would like the Minister of State to consider making the Ombudsman a constitutional officer because that would help underpin the integrity of the office. This could be done at a time when other referenda are happening, but it should certainly be considered.

I welcome the opportunity granted to the Ombudsman to address the Houses through the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I hope that happens as quickly as possible and for the sake of the Byrne family, this matter needs to be brought to a resolution at that stage.