Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 311: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedures under which the Ombudsman for Children was appointed; if the filling of vacancies in her Department was through open competition and if references were sought in all cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1086/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In accordance with the provisions of the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, the position of Ombudsman for Children was advertised in the national papers on 6 and 7 November with a closing date for completed applications of 19 November 2003. The recruitment was by way of an open competition run by the Public Appointments Commission. In line with the national children's strategy, children and young people were involved in the advertising and selection process. Following a resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Ombudsman for Children was appointed by the President on 18 December 2003 and the office was formally established on 25 April 2004.

The Ombudsman for Children currently has seven members of staff. Four of these posts are filled by staff seconded from the Department of Health and Children to provide administrative support and the remaining three posts were filled by way of open competitions. Accordingly, all staff have been recruited through the Public Appointments Service, which seeks references as part of the selection and recruitment process.