O'Reilly welcomes additional bodies under Ombudsman remit

The Ombudsman has welcomed a government move to bring 140 additional public bodies under the remit of her office.

Emily O'Reilly said that she has long campaigned for their inclusion.

The list features third level education bodies, the Irish Medical Council and The Irish Nursing Board.

Among them - FÁS, the VECs, the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the National Transport Authority and Sustainable Energy Ireland.

The Ombudsman will begin overseeing decisions made by these bodies within the next six months.

Emily O'Reilly said that it is an historic move, and she has pledged to continue working with the Minister for Public Expenditure to bring more organisations under her oversight.