9 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, to date in establishing an office of the ombudsman for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5577/00]

It is intended to establish the office of an ombudsman for children before the end of the year. The heads of a Bill are currently being drafted with a view to being brought to Government shortly.

Is it the intention to put the office of the ombudsman on a statutory footing from the beginning?

It is intended that it would have a statutory basis. It is also intended that it be independent.

What budget is it proposed to allocate to the office?

A budget of £500,000 has already been made available in this year's allocation.

I welcome the Minister of State to Question Time. Is she aware that her predecessor who was promoted obviously on the basis that he did not implement most of what he talked about—

Nor did his predecessor.

—promised in October 1997 that legislation to provide for a children's ombudsman would be enacted as a matter of priority? Will she assure the House that the ombudsman will be in place before July this year and that the legislation will be published and enacted through both Houses before the end of the year?

The Government decided to proceed with the office of ombudsman on 26 July 1999. It will be done in conjunction with the national children's strategy. The heads of the Bill will go to Government shortly and I intend that the office be launched with the national children's strategy in the summer. A full consultation process has started.

In welcoming the firm commitment given today that we will have legislation shortly on this important office, what steps does the Minister intend to take to ensure the office is fully independent? What proposals has she to ensure there is not a conflict between that office and the Department?

In preparing for the office of the ombudsman we have consulted the existing ombudsman who is independent. We have also taken into account the views of the voluntary sector, Children's Rights Alliance and the situation in other countries. The office will be set up on a statutory basis. It will be independent and appointed by the President. It will be accountable to the Oireachtas and will have its own budget. Its decisions will not be legally binding so it can be flexible and independent.

In what manner will it be accountable to the Oireachtas?

That will be decided under the Bill.