The SCA reiterates that the Ombudsman does not have a separate budget line within the State budget and that, in practice, its budget continues to be processed through the Ministry responsible for Justice. The SCA observes that the draft Ombudsman Bill, as currently drafted, does not explicitly establish a separate budget line or vote within the State budget. 

The SCA reiterates that government funding should be allocated through a separate budget line applicable only to the NHRI and released regularly in a manner that does not adversely affect its functions, day-to-day management, and retention of staff. 

The SCA encourages the Ombudsman to continue to advocate for amendments to its enabling law to specify the source of its funding and to provide the institution with a specific budget line within the State budget. 

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.2 and to its General Observation 1.10 on ‘Adequate funding’. ”