Welsh ombudsman set to take on Irish role

Peter Tyndall has been selected by the Government to succeed Emily O'Reilly as Ireland's Ombudsman and Information Commissioner.

Mr Tyndall, who was born in Dublin but has lived in Wales for 30 years, has been Public Services Ombudsman for Wales for the last five years.

His nomination was announced by Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin yesterday afternoon. The appointment is to be confirmed by a resolution of the Dáil and Seanad in the coming weeks.

Some 35 people including journalists, public relations practitioners, public representatives and public servants – serving and retired – had expressed an interest in taking on the role, which has a salary of just under €200,000 a year.

“I am delighted that Mr Tyndall has accepted the nomination to be our new Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. During [his] time as Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, the office in Wales has become regarded as a leading example of ombudsman practice and its approaches have been extensively adopted elsewhere,” said Mr Howlin.

As ombudsman Mr Tyndall’s remit will cover all Government departments, local authorities, the HSE and some 180 additional public bodies recently added to the remit through the Ombudsman (Amendment) Act, 2012.

Before being appointed ombudsman for Wales in 2008, Mr Tyndall served as chief executive of the Arts Council of Wales and was previously head of education and culture for the Welsh Local Government Association.

He is married with three daughters.

Ms O’Reilly left the office at the end of last month after a decade at the helm to take up the position of European Ombudsman.