180 New Bodies to come within Ombudsman for Children’s Remit

The Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, will see 180 new public bodies come under her remit today (Tuesday, 30th April) following the extension of the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002.

The Ombudsman for Children is obliged to monitor and review the operation of the Act and can make recommendations to the Minister and or the Oireachtas for change. In March 2012, the Ombudsman for Children submitted a formal review of the Act, setting out her concerns about the current legislation and making recommendations to address these concerns. In July 2012, Ms Logan began direct engagement with Minister Brendan Howlin and his Department, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. The result of this engagement is that from 30th April 2013 the actions or inaction of what are called ‘reviewable agencies’ – public organisations that provide services for or make decisions about children , or certain private organisations acting on behalf of the State – will come under the complaints and investigations remit of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office.

Emily Logan said: “My Office dealt with 1,465 complaints in 2012 alone. Our intervention has consistently provided opportunities to increase accountability, to promote transparency and improve the quality of the decision-making that directly affects the lives of children.”

The Ombudsman for Children continued: “I have called for this change for some time; as far back as 2005 I raised concerns about a number of exclusions to the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002 and am pleased that the Oireachtas has addressed my main concerns.”

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office has been meeting with many of the main stakeholders, including public bodies, parents organisations and advocacy groups to communicate the changes to the remit.

• 30 Aibreán 2013
• Cineál: Preaseisiúint