Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister that the Second Stage debate was very useful. The observation was made during that debate that this type of legislation is necessary because Sir Humphrey is not a natural democrat. In these grim times, when so much of the reform is stymied by a regrettable lack of funding, it is important that we examine every opportunity to enhance accountability and scrutiny in the public sector. I am squarely on the same side as the Minister in these matters and acknowledge that the constraints under which his Government is operating were inherited from the previous Administration.

As the explanatory memorandum indicates, the purpose of the legislation is to extend the remit of the Ombudsman. Ms Emily O'Reilly is universally well regarded and no entity should be exempt from her powers of scrutiny. Why then are certain bodies being given a six-month grace period before coming under the Ombudsman's remit? This Bill was initiated in the Dáil in 2008 and passed in 2010. There is no slur or insult implied against any particular agency in the provisions in the Bill to extend the remit of the Ombudsman. On the contrary, the aim of the legislation is ensure that every relevant entity is accountable in the same way for its expenditure of public moneys. Citizens must be confident that any concerns they have in this regard can be submitted to the Ombudsman and that a full and frank response will be forthcoming. As I said on the Order of Business this morning, there is a view that Sir Humphrey still reigns and, moreover, that he has had a very active week in tabling amendments in his own interest as opposed to what we are seeking to achieve.

This Oireachtas has been in place for 18 months, or approximately one third of a full term. Time is moving on and a Government that was elected to be radical should consider whether it is acceptable to allow certain bodies a six-month breathing space from their obligations to citizens in terms of accountability and transparency. People are dispirited and disillusioned. Unlike many of the reforms which the Government might like to make, this particular step would have no heavy cost and will ensure that all bodies operating in the State are answerable to the citizens of this country through the agency of the Ombudsman. I will listen with great interest to the Minister's response.