asked the Minister for the Public Service when it is intended to establish the position of Ombudsman as outlined in the Fine Gael-Labour Programme for Government, December 1982.

: As the Deputy is aware the previous Government made no provision in the Estimates for 1983 for the establishment of the office of ombudsman. When the Government came to consider the budget for the current year the resources to establish the office of ombudsman were simply not available. The Government remain committed to the appointment of an ombudsman and will consider the matter again in the context of the 1984 budget.

: Is the Minister aware that Fianna Fáil were not involved in the preparation of the Fine Gael and Labour election programme? When the Government began to revise the Estimates they must have examined that programme. Could the Minister indicate when this part of the programme will be put into effect?

: It will be considered in the context of discussions on the 1984 Estimates.

: Another promise that will never be fulfilled.