State tight-lipped on ombudsman plan

DIFFICULTIES with getting clear answers from State bodies was one of the reasons most commonly cited for needing an ombudsman but nobody could get an answer out of the Government on its plans for the new watchdog.

And when Finance and Public Service Minister Richie Ryan let the cat out of the bag during an after-dinner speech, his miffed Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, got his claws out.

A briefing document prepared for Cosgrave in early 1975 points out that the Public Service Organisation Review Group had recommended an ombudsman be established in 1969 and that in 1971, the previous Taoiseach (Jack Lynch) had said the proposed new Department of Public Service would deal with it.

In May 1973, after Cosgrave had succeeded Lynch as Taoiseach, Cosgrave stated he was having the matter “examined”.

In May 1975, a resolution was passed in principle favouring the appointment of an ombudsman.

On October 30, 1975, Mr Ryan gave a speech in the Shelbourne Hotel on the theme of public service reform where he spoke of the right to redress by citizens aggrieved by the actions of officials.

The media reported that the minister had effectively announced plans for an ombudsman, aggrieving the Taoiseach.

Cosgrave was left with little choice but to bring to Cabinet a proposal that a committee examine the best way of setting up an office of ombudsman.

Ironically, Mr Ryan was made chairman of the committee and he said he expected the office would be in operation by early 1977. Legislation was not passed until 1980 and the first Ombudsman, Michael Mills, did not take up office until 1984.