The Ombudsman received 108 complaints about public services from people in Clare during 2023 which represents a 27% increase in the number of complaints coming from the county since 2022.
The Ombudsman, Ger Deering, received a total of 4,465 complaints about public services in 2023. Details of the complaints are set out the Ombudsman’s annual report for 2023 available at www.ombudsman.ie.
The Ombudsman investigates complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public service provider such as a government department, a local authority or the HSE.
People in Clare complained about a number of issues including social welfare payments, but also about services provided by local public bodies, including Clare County Council and public hospitals.
The Ombudsman’s Office marks 40 years in existence in 2024. Ombudsman Ger Deering said that people should not be afraid to complain:
“In most cases people’s dealings with public services go well. However, when something goes wrong we should complain. This gives the opportunity for the public body to not only rectify the individual mistake, but to help improve its overall service.”
What does the Ombudsman do?
The Ombudsman investigates complaints about public services provided by government departments, county councils, the HSE and most public bodies.
The Ombudsman is independent of government and provides a free and impartial service for dealing with complaints about most providers of public services.
How do you complain to the Ombudsman?
The Ombudsman can investigate your complaint once you have complained to the service provider whose action or decision has affected you.
The easiest way to make a complaint to the Ombudsman is through its website: www.ombudsman.ie
You can also write to the Office of the Ombudsman at:
6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773 or you can call 01 639 5600.
Which public services can I complain about?
You can complain to the Ombudsman about services provided by most public bodies including:
government departments and Offices, such as the Department of Social Protection or the Revenue Commissioners
city and county councils
the Health Service Executive
public hospitals
publicly funded third-level education bodies
public and private nursing homes.
More information is available at www.ombudsman.ie
