{"id":4860,"date":"2018-12-30T09:48:38","date_gmt":"2018-12-30T09:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/"},"modified":"2022-08-28T14:32:21","modified_gmt":"2022-08-28T14:32:21","slug":"ombudsman-bodies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/","title":{"rendered":"Ombudsman Bodies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/#Public_Service_Ombudsman\" title=\"Public Service Ombudsman\">Public Service Ombudsman<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/#Complaints_regarding_Governmental_Action\" title=\"Complaints regarding Governmental Action\">Complaints regarding Governmental Action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/#Information_Commissioner\" title=\"Information Commissioner\">Information Commissioner<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/#Press_Ombudsman\" title=\"Press Ombudsman\">Press Ombudsman<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/ombudsman-bodies\/#Some_other_Ombudsman_Schemes\" title=\"Some other Ombudsman Schemes\">Some other Ombudsman Schemes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Public_Service_Ombudsman\"><\/span>Public Service Ombudsman<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Ombudsman\u2019s Office was established in 1980 and commenced in 1984. \u00a0The Ombudsman holds office for six years and can be appointed for up to three terms. The Ombudsman is responsible for reviewing good administration across a wide range of the public service.<\/p>\n<p>The Ombudsman may act on its own initiative or on a complaint. \u00a0The Ombudsman investigates the actions of officials in any organisation where the actions have or may have affected adversely affected a person and the action was taken without proper authority on irrelevant grounds on the basis of being negligent, carelessness, based on erroneous or incomplete information, improperly, discriminatory, based on an undesirable administrative practice or otherwise contrary to fair or sound administration.<\/p>\n<p>Each department must nominate an officer to liaise with the Ombudsman\\&#8217;s office.\u00a0 That person must ensure that the Ombudsman\u2019s requirements are complied with.<\/p>\n<p>The Ombudsman prepares an annual report giving details of statistics and sample complaints.\u00a0 It comments on general issues in relation to its work.\u00a0 The Ombudsman has issued guides of best practice for public servants<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complaints_regarding_Governmental_Action\"><\/span>Complaints regarding Governmental Action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Ombudsman has powers to review complaints in relation to government departments, local authorities, health boards, health authorities and certain other organisations.<\/p>\n<p>Complaints must generally be made within 12 months of the relevant event.\u00a0 The complaint must generally have been taken up with the relevant body and unsuccessfully appealed.\u00a0 Whatever appeal facilities must first be used.\u00a0 The services costs are free and no lawyers are required<\/p>\n<p>The Ombudsman has the power to require all documents.\u00a0 The Ombudsman may require persons to appear.\u00a0 Investigations are conducted in private. \u00a0An opportunity must be given to persons concerned to comment.<\/p>\n<p>If the Ombudsman finds that the action concerned has an adverse effect on the person complaining it can recommend to the organisation that measures be taken to remedy the adverse effect.\u00a0 The reason for taking the action can be given. \u00a0The Ombudsman can require the body concerned to give a response within a time.<\/p>\n<p>The Ombudsman does not have the power to overturn decisions but can make recommendations.\u00a0 Ministers can veto investigations. \u00a0Reasons must be given.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Information_Commissioner\"><\/span>Information Commissioner<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Information Commissioner under the Freedom of Information Act reviews decisions by public authorities in relation to information requests.\u00a0 It can confirm or cancel them.\u00a0 It can make a new decision.<\/p>\n<p>Matters may be withheld from FOI if the Secretary-General certifies that they contain matters relating to the deliberate processes of any department, security, defence, international relations and certain parliamentary briefings. Upfront fees apply.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission keeps the Act under review and ensures maximum compliant.\u00a0 It has the function of fostering openness in most public bodies and encouraging the voluntary publication of information. \u00a0It publishes commentaries on the operation of the legislation.<\/p>\n<p>The Information Commission must be given all records and may enter the public body\u2019s premises.\u00a0 It reviews decisions on requested records refusals, provides a complete record, requests questions <strong>of <\/strong>correct information.\u00a0 They may charge a fee or seek a deposit before information.<\/p>\n<p>The Commissioner may\u00a0review relevant FOI\u00a0 decisions of public bodies<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>to refuse or provide all information,<\/li>\n<li>regarding corrected information,<\/li>\n<li>to refuse a request to correct information,<\/li>\n<li>to refuse to give reasons,<\/li>\n<li>to charge a fee or seek deposit before the information is released,<\/li>\n<li>release records in the public interest relating to a third-party that is personal given in confidence or commercially sensitive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Press_Ombudsman\"><\/span>Press Ombudsman<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Press Ombudsman investigates breaches of the Press Code of Practice.\u00a0 This is an industry code agreed to in 2007. \u00a0It aims to give the public a method of dealing with complaints in relation to newspapers and other periodicals that breach the Code.<\/p>\n<p>The office attempts to discuss and resolve the matter by direct contact with the editor of the publication concerned.\u00a0 It will attempt to proceed by conciliation. \u00a0If not the Press Ombudsman will examine the case and make a decision.<\/p>\n<p>The Press Ombudsman can refer cases to the Press Council. \u00a0This consists of 13 members, representative of a broad selection of society representing the press and the public with an independent chairman. \u00a0Seven persons including chairman representing a section of the public and six representing editorial, journalistic and press industry.\u00a0 It hears decisions directly referred or appeals on decisions by the Press Ombudsman.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_other_Ombudsman_Schemes\"><\/span>Some other Ombudsman Schemes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Garda Siochana Ombudsman is an independent body which investigates complaints against members of an Garda Siochana.\u00a0 It can also investigate matters of its own accord if no complaint where it appears a Garda may have committed an offence or behaved in a way which would justify the disciplinary procedure.\u00a0 It may investigate any practice or procedure of an Garda Siochana with a view to reducing complaints.<\/p>\n<p>The Ombudsman for the Defence Forces gives former and serving members an independent appeal against complaints that they have not been addressed internally adequately.\u00a0 Data Protection Commissioner reports annually to the Oireachtas.\u00a0 It maintains a register of persons holding data including government departments and financial institutions.\u00a0 The Data Commissioner enforces the legislation and can determine complaints and investigations the matter and takes necessary steps.<\/p>\n<p>Financial Services Ombudsman deals with and resolves complaints from individuals dealing with insurance, banks, brokers and others in the financial service industries.\u00a0 It has jurisdiction to make financial awards of compensation up to \u20ac300,000.\u00a0 It investigates the Ombudsman for children promotes rights and welfare of children and young people.<\/p>\n<p>The Ombudsman for Children acts as an independent voice on behalf of the interests of children.\u00a0 It reviews laws, policies and practice to verify compliance with international human rights standards.<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-4860\" data-postid=\"4860\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-4860 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Public Service Ombudsman The Ombudsman\u2019s Office was established in 1980 and commenced in 1984. \u00a0The Ombudsman holds office for six years and can be appointed for up to three terms. The Ombudsman is responsible for reviewing good administration across a wide range of the public service. The Ombudsman may act on its own initiative or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[202],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4860"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4860"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4860\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13221,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4860\/revisions\/13221"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}