Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The amendment provides for the explanation of the role and complaints procedure of the Ombudsman for Children to be included in section 28. I accept that the Bill does not currently make it an explicit requirement that the grievance procedures would require that schools inform students or parents of their right to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children following the exhaustion of those procedures. However, it is my intention that this requirement will be included in the guidelines on the grievance procedures. Nonetheless, I understand and agree with the intention of the Senator in respect of her amendment. However, I consider the wording that refers to grievance procedures including "an explanation of the role of the Ombudsman for Children" is too broad. It is preferable and more practicable to ensure that the grievance procedures make clear that students and parents should be informed, that they can make a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children's Office, and that they must be provided with the relevant information or contact details in order to do so. I do not think it appropriate for the grievance procedures to set out in detail an explanation of the ombudsman's role. Therefore, I cannot accept the amendment in its current form.

I am happy to have my officials consider this issue further with the legislative drafters, with a view to bringing forward an amendment on Report Stage, if required. I agree with the intention of the Senator in respect of her amendment.