Logan re-appointed as Ombudsman for Children despite Bord Snip proposal
The Cabinet yesterday decided to grant Ms Logan another six-year term; however, it fell short of giving an explicit commitment to protect the office in the future.
A spokesman for the Government said her new term was independent of decisions which may yet be taken on Professor Colm McCarthyâs proposals.
However, given the clerical abuse reports and other child protection scandals the Government felt it was important to keep the office open.
âThe time had run out on her term and it was felt the country had to have a Childrenâs Ombudsman particularly in the current climate,â he said.
Ms Logan took up the role in 2003 when the office was created as a unique advocate for childrenâs rights.
In July she severely criticised An Bord Snip Nua for deciding her office should be merged with a super ombudsman in order to save the State âŹ300,000.
She said children needed to be dealt with compassionately and carefully and adult-centred services could not cope with such delicate issues. At the same time she offered to identify savings in her office along with the cut which was made to her salary.
The ombudsmanâs office could not be contacted for a comment last night.
Separately, the Cabinet meeting approved a request by Judge Yvonne Murphyâs Commission of Investigation to extend its deadline on its work in the diocese of Cloyne. It will be allowed continue until next June 30.
The commission has just completed its report in the Dublin archdiocese and is also working on a follow-up report.
And another extension was granted for the Oireachtas Committee on the proposed constitutional amendment on the rightsâ of the child.
This is the fifth extension the committee has been given and it will allow it to continue its work until January 29, 2010.
It will not be given any additional money to finish its work.
