Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 68: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the request by the Ombudsman for Children to extend the remit of that office to cover the working of the National Council on Special Education; if he has had discussions on this issue with the Ombudsman and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in view of the fact that the NCSE is under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29065/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Office of the Ombudsman for Children was established under the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 by the Minister for Health and Children. On 3rd June 2011 responsibility for the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002 was transferred to the Minster for Children and Youth Affairs. I understand that the Office of the Ombudsman for Children has been in contact with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs regarding this matter. I also understand that under this Act the inclusion of the National Council for Special Education within the remit of the Ombudsman for Children requires a draft Order to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and a resolution approving this order approved by each such House.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs have advised that they intend to consult with my Department and with the Ombudsman for Children before finalising a proposal on this matter. Pending the making of any order by the Government to include the NCSE within the complaints and investigation remit of the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the Office and the NCSE have agreed an interim process through which the concerns which had been brought to the attention of the Office would be brought to the direct attention of NCSE for response.