Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly reveals in her annual report for 2007 that she received 2,578 valid complaints, compared to 2,245 in 2006, which represents an increase of 14.8%. Some 41.4% of those related to civil service departments and offices, 33.4% involved local authorities, 22.2% related to the HSE and 3 % to An Post.
In addition to actual complaints, staff also dealt with enquiries from the public and between valid and invalid complaints and enquiries, just under 13,000 people contacted the Ombudsman’s office during 2007.
Of 2,520 complaints concluded within the year, 480 were resolved in whole or in part and in 622 cases assistance was provided.
Some 44%. of complainants were better off for having contacted the Ombudsman, according to the report.
