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What is an Ombudsman?

Video Script Cad is Ombudsman ann?

video script

An Ombudsman examines complaints from members of the public who believe they have been treated unfairly by the State and other organisations.

Ombudsman Offices are free, independent, objective and fair. We’re here to help people navigate their way through often complex procedures and practices. In Ireland there are 7 Ombudsman. You can complain to

• The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman for complaints about financial services such as banks, insurance companies, pension providers and brokers.
• The Office of the Ombudsman for complaints about certain public service providers such as government departments, local authorities, the HSE and publicly funded third-level education providers
• The Ombudsman for Children for complaints about services provided to children by public organisations.
• Fiosrú – Office of the Police Ombudsman – for complaints from members of the public about the Gardaí.
• An Coimisinéir Teanga for complaints relating to difficulties in accessing public services through Irish.
• The Press Ombudsman considers complaints about print and online newspapers, magazines and online-only news publications
• The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for complaints from serving and former military personnel regarding the Irish Defence Forces.

When bringing a complaint to an Ombudsman, you must first make a complaint directly to the body you are unhappy with. If you are not satisfied with its response, you can bring your complaint to the appropriate Ombudsman for investigation.