Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Sean Fleming has said an Oireachtas hearing should be held to discuss the nominee to the position on Ombudsman and Information Commissioner.
Deputy Fleming was commenting after it was announced Minister Brendan Howlin is nominating Peter Tyndall to the position for appointment by the President.
Deputy Fleming commented: “As part of the reform of the political process and the need to increase transparency in key public appointments I believe an Oireachtas Committee should interview the prospective candidate for this important role.
“Speaking in the Dáil last week on Freedom of Information legislation I pointed to the need for the prospective appointee for the position of Ombudsman and Information Commissioner to be endorsed, or otherwise, by an Oireachtas committee and, if endorsed, appointed in due course by the President.
“This would be a very important change for the political process. If the Government is serious in saying it does not want to withhold all power from Parliament, it should carry out this very important initiative. Parliament must have a real role in the appointment of a new Ombudsman Information Commissioner.”
