Ombudsman issues critical report

The South-Western Health Board, the Department of Education and Offaly Co Council have all been criticised in the report of the Ombudsman.

In his ninth annual report, Mr Murphy said the South-Western Health Board operated a welfare allowance for blind people incorrectly.

Mr Murphy said the 700 blind people benefited from his investigation into the matter.

The Ombudsman's annual report also criticised the Department of Education for its handling of teachers' pensions and Offaly County Council for its handling of a particular planning application.

It said the total number of complaints received by the Ombudsman in 2002 was 2,326, a fall of 200 on the previous year's figures.