Immigration should be in ombudsman’s remit

The election of Emily O’Reilly as European ombudsman (Irish Examiner) is a fitting tribute to her decade of ensuring fairness, equality and justice here.

However, the appointment of her successor should be an opportunity to extend the scope of the Office of the Ombudsman to people who have been denied its protection.

Ms O’Reilly has, on numerous occasions, expressed her willingness to bring the immigration service under her remit, to support people who are in an unsettling period of their life.

It would be a fitting legacy to grant that extension now and ensure that everyone using our public services, no matter what their background, can be assured of swift access to justice.

Denise Charlton

Chief Executive

Immigrant Council of Ireland

Dublin 2