Ombudsman’s report - Get it right or be held responsible

The year 2011 was the busiest so far for the Office of the Ombudsman with some 3,600 complaints, according to the annual report presented to the Oireachtas yesterday.

Emily O’Reilly, the ombudsman, blamed the “ongoing effect of the economic downturn for the increase in complaints”.

A rise in the number of complaints is often a cause for alarm, but in this case it may also be a reflection of growing confidence in the power of the office to redress grievances. Ms O’Reilly warned that decision-makers need to be clearer about the basis for their decisions in matters like the denial of medical cards or carer’s allowances.