§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to extend the remit of the Assembly Ombudsman to include further education colleges; whether he has met with representatives from further education colleges to discuss the issue; and if he will make a statement. [162703]
§ Jane KennedyThe Government have no current plans to extend the remit of the Assembly Ombudsman to directly include Further Education Colleges. The Offices of the Assembly Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints are currently subject to review. Following consideration of the outcome of that review any proposed changes to the remit of the Ombudsman will be matters for public consultation.