Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There are two parts to the amendment. Paragraph (a) provides for consultation with the committee of the House before making any proposal to appoint an Ombudsman in order to strengthen the Ombudsman's relationship with the Oireachtas. The Ombudsman supports the enhanced role for the Oireachtas in terms of pre-appointment scrutiny and regular reporting.

The purpose of the amendment is to make the appointment process more transparent, to recognise the legitimate interests of the Oireachtas in the selection and appointment of an Ombudsman, and to encourage and support the ongoing involvement of the relevant Oireachtas committee with the Ombudsman. Senators will be aware that part of the role of the new oversight and petitions committee is to be a vehicle where reports of the Ombudsman can be properly dealt with. A lacuna in the past sometimes existed where the reports of the Ombudsman were not properly dealt with. It is important for the Oireachtas to play a role in the pre-selection process before a new Ombudsman is appointed.

It is also envisaged that the consultation process will allow the general public the opportunity to understand the approach the Ombudsman designate would take to the role he or she would perform in the future.