Madam, - A report in your edition of April 8th, "Ministers back Asbos in face of criticism by Ombudsman", stated that I was recommended for the post of Ombudsman for Children by the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Brian Lenihan.
I wish to make it clear that an open competition was run for the position of Ombudsman for Children and the job was advertised in the media. I, along with others, was interviewed by 15 young people and three adults.
At the end of the process three names went forward to the Minister and mine was put to the Oireachtas by Mr Lenihan.
I was formally appointed by President McAleese on December 3rd, 2003 and I took up Office in March 2004. - Yours, etc,
EMILY LOGAN, Ombudsman for Children, Great Strand Street, Dublin 1.