IRELAND

Ombudsman of Ireland

The Ombudsman Act of 1980 provided the establishment of the Ombudsman institution in Ireland. The Ombudsman is appointed by the President on the proposal of the both Houses of the Oireachtas for a term of 6 years. He may be removed from the office by the President on stated misbehavior or incapacity and then only on resolutions passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The ombudsman must vacate the office on reaching the age of 67 years. He is independent in the performance of his functions. Excluded from examination or investigation by the Ombudsman are cases where the matter is before the courts, relating to aliens or naturalisation and to the administration of prisons. The Ombudsman may be requested in writing by a Minister of the Government not to investigate a particular case and in such circumstances he must cease the investigation.

There are also specialized ombudsmen such as the Insurance Ombudsman, the Information Commissioner, and the Pensions Ombudsman.

Contact information:
Ombudsman of Ireland
Address: 18 Lr. Leeson St., Dublin 2
Phone: + 353-1-678-5222
LoCall: 1-890-223030 (from outside 01 area)
Fax: + 353-1-661-0570
E-mail: ombudsman@ombudsman.irlgov.ie
Web site: http://ombudsman.gov.ie