Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I am pleased to speak on the motion that Seanad Éireann recommends Dr. Niall Muldoon for appointment by the President as Ombudsman for Children.

Since the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 paved the way for the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, which was established in 2004, the first Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, and the staff of the office established a pivotal role for the office in the lives of the children of this country. Ms Logan must be commended for her achievements during her term of office, on establishing and expanding the role and on working tirelessly for the welfare and rights of children. The office was established at a time when it had emerged that our children were in many ways not given the priority, nurturing, love and cherishing they needed. They had no voice and there was nobody to ensure their welfare came first, their voices could be heard and their rights could be enforced.

The ombudsman's annual report makes very interesting reading. The information obtained through the receipt, examination and investigation of complaints by the office provides a valuable insight into the experiences of children and families in dealing with public services. The scrutiny of the administrative actions of public bodies can provide an opportunity for organisations to review the service they are providing and, hopefully, improve them in areas where it is shown they are not providing the best service. In its first year, the office handled 94 complaints. In 2013, it handled 1,677 cases. This level of complaint and subsequent investigations by the office must mean that many wrongs have being righted, entitlements that were not being received are being received, that loopholes are being closed and that the next child or parent who comes across a barrier to an entitlement will find it easier to lift that barrier.

I understand that Dr. Niall Muldoon has been through a rigorous interview process and am pleased to know that children were involved at some stage of that process. He was the director of investigations in the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and as such has a unique and deep understanding of the workings of the office. I believe he has worked in the area of child protection for almost 20 years. I am confident that those involved in the interview process set out to find the best candidate for the position and believe Dr. Muldoon is that person. I am therefore happy to speak in his favour and wish him every success in his new position.