Ombudsman spells out her role

A LETTER which you published on Thursday last queried the authority of my office to conduct the Big Ballot, a nationwide poll involving children and young people.

Unfortunately, the headline over the letter made reference to my “exceeding my powers” — a contention not borne out in the letter or at the High Court which recently dismissed an attempt to seek leave to challenge my authority to run the ballot.

The Ombudsman for Children Act 2002, which established my office, places a responsibility on me to highlight issues that are of concern to children and young people.