Teenager’s views sought on the ideal qualities for the Ombudsman for Children

Dr James Reilly TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs today opened a

consultation with young people (aged 13-17) seeking their views on the

person specification for the recruitment of the Ombudsman for Children.

Speaking at the event Minister Reilly said: “Today you will get the chance

to give your views on what kind of person the Ombudsman for Children should

be. The Ombudsman for Children is a really important job and we need to get

the views of children and young people so that the Public Appointments

Service can select the right person for the job.” The consultation process

was conducted by the Citizen Participation Unit of the Department of

Children and Youth Affairs.

“Yesterday, we had a similar consultation workshop with children (aged

8-12) who gave us really interesting opinions on the person specification

for the Ombudsman for Children,” added the Minister.

“You will be given information about the role of an Ombudsman by Bernie

McNally, Director General, of the Office of the Ombudsman. Karen McAuley,

the Participation and Education Officer in the Ombudsman for Children’s

Office will talk about some of the work done in their office in recent

years. You will also get important information on the recruitment process

by Áine Gray, Head of Assessment Services of the Public Appointments

Service. This information will help you in discussing the most important

qualities of the Ombudsman for Children,” stated Minister Reilly.

“At the end of each of consultation day, six children and six young people

will be selected to become part of the children and young people’s panel

for the recruitment process,” continued the Minister.

The Minister noted that the children and young people’s panel will be

involved in the following stages of the recruitment process for the

Ombudsman for Children:

• Developing, taking part in, and evaluating a role play with

candidates;

• Participating in the final interview panel.

“My Department will partner with the Public Appointment Service in the

provision of appropriate training in role play and interview skills. And

finally, the Public Appointment Service will oversee the appropriate and

respectful involvement of a number of children and young people from the

panel in role play sessions with candidates and of two young people in the

interview process,” concluded the Minister.