Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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36. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which she will publish legislation to extend the remit of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman to include cases concerning children residing in direct provision. [31000/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The revised House Rules published by the Reception and Integration Agency in May of last year set out the procedures in relation to the investigation of complaints made by Direct Provision residents and include a provision for an independent appeals officer. I am committed to extending the remits of both the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children to residents in Direct Provision. There are a number of legal considerations associated with this and discussion is ongoing as to how best to proceed.

Any legislative changes will be the responsibility of the Minister for Public  Expenditure and Reform with whom I am in close consultation.