The Government has nominated the Director of Nursing at the Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Ms Emily Logan, to be the State's first Ombudsman for Children.
The Act to set up the post of the Ombudsman for Children as a protector and promoter of children's rights passed into law over a year ago, and provides for the setting up of the office by end of April 2004.
The office will be an independent body responsible for the rights and welfare of children and one that will act on complaints about institutions such as schools and health boards.
Children's rights groups have criticised the Government for taking almost seven years to establish the post, first promised in 1996 by the then Fine Gael/Labour/Democratic Left coalition.
The groups say the post is crucial to protecting children from institutional abuse.
Ms Logan's nomination will be brought before both houses of the Oireachtas tomorrow and if passed she will be appointed to the position by President McAleese on Thursday.
Announcing the nomination the Minister for Children, Mr Brian Lenihan, said he was delighted that Ms Logan's name is now going forward to the Oireachtas.
Mr Lenihan said: "I am sure that she will make an excellent Ombudsman, bringing a great level of commitment, experience and energy to this position."
Previously, Ms Logan held the position of Director of Nursing at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin. She was also Directorate Manager at Great Ormond Hospital for Children in London.
