<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The ombudsman idea in Ireland is now almost fifty years old. This article provides a citizen perspective on several ombudsman-type institutions and services across a broad variety of fields and issues. The underlying assump -tions of ombudsman-type services are outlined, with a citizen perspective of how they work in practice. Ten illustrative case studies are provided, each followed by a short commentary. The article analyses the cross-cutting issues arising: the uneven resource field in skills, knowledge and time; the need for ‘blue sea’ between the ombudsman-type institution and state agencies; the evidence bar for complaints; and the individualisation of complaints when there are systemic issues important for public administration. Because of the asymmetry of resources between the two parties, there is a strong case for ombudsman-type institutions to provide more assistance to complainants to advance and progress their complaints, so that a more level playing field can be achieved.</p>
</abstract>

The ombudsman idea in Ireland is now almost fifty years old. This article provides a citizen perspective on several ombudsman-type institutions and services across a broad variety of fields and issues. The underlying assump -tions of ombudsman-type services are outlined, with a citizen perspective of how they work in practice. Ten illustrative case studies are provided, each followed by a short commentary. The article analyses the cross-cutting issues arising: the uneven resource field in skills, knowledge and time; the need for ‘blue sea’ between the ombudsman-type institution and state agencies; the evidence bar for complaints; and the individualisation of complaints when there are systemic issues important for public administration. Because of the asymmetry of resources between the two parties, there is a strong case for ombudsman-type institutions to provide more assistance to complainants to advance and progress their complaints, so that a more level playing field can be achieved.

Ombudsman-type services – A citizen perspective

Administration

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Ombudsman-type services \u2013 A citizen perspective"}

The ombudsman idea in Ireland is now almost fifty years old. This article provides a citizen perspective on several ombudsman-type institutions and services...

Ombudsman-type services – A citizen perspective

Publié en ligne: 30 avr. 2022

Pages: 1 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/admin-2022-0009

Mots clés
Ombudsman, level playing field, evidence bar, individualisation

© 2022 Brian Harvey, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Ombudsman-type services – A citizen perspective

Publié en ligne: 30 avr. 2022

Pages: 1 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/admin-2022-0009

Mots clésOmbudsman, level playing field, evidence bar, individualisation

© 2022 Brian Harvey, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Mots clés
Ombudsman, level playing field, evidence bar, individualisation