480. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will extend the remit of the Ombudsman to include Uisce Éireann; if he will extend the remit of the Ombudsman to all companies in public ownership; if consideration is also being given to extending access to the complaints mechanism to prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31750/24]

The Ombudsman currently has jurisdiction by default in relation to any company where a majority of shares are held by or on behalf of a Minister of the Government, unless it is specifically excluded under the terms of the Ombudsman Act. At present, there are no plans to make changes to the current arrangements.

In relation to prisons, engagement is ongoing between the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice on the first instance complaint handling mechanisms and structures that are required to support the Ombudsman's role. Once these preparations have been completed, if required my Department will undertake any steps that may be necessary to formally extend the Ombudsman's jurisdiction.