108 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will extend the role and function of the Ombudsman to include matters which relate to medicine, including the practice of clinical medicine. [4421/97]

Under section 5 (2) of the Ombudsman Act, 1980, the Ombudsman is limited to investigating actions "taken in the performance of administrative functions". While the Deputy will be aware that the Government intends to introduce, as soon as practicable, legislation that would extend both the powers and remit of the Ombudsman, it is not the intention that any additional powers will allow investigation of non-administrative matters. Therefore, while extension of the remit to include voluntary hospitals is being considered, it is unlikely that any extension of the role and function of the Ombudsman in the medical area will include matters of clinical judgment.