Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 461: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will investigate the possibility of establishing an ombudsman for students to address student issues specifically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30556/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Ombudsman for Children's Office was established in April 2004 under the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002. The Ombudsman for Children is independent of Government and other civil society actors and is accountable to the Oireachtas.

The role of the Ombudsman for Children is to promote and safeguard the rights and welfare of children and young people up to eighteen years of age. The main functions are: to provide an independent complaints handling service regarding public bodies; to promote children's rights, including through participation and communication activities; and to provide research and policy advice to ensure that law, policy and practice meet the highest standards and obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In addition, protection is also offered to students over the age of 18 in their dealings with certain public bodies by the Ombudsman's office.

Given the role of these two offices already in existence, I would not intend to establish a separate ombudsman for students.