Ombudsman sees 66 public service complaints from Westmeath in 2023

The Ombudsman, Ger Deering, received 66 complaints about public services from people in Westmeath during 2023.

The Ombudsman received a total of 4,465 complaints about public services nationally during the year.

The Ombudsman investigates complaints from people who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public service provider such as a government department, a local authority or the HSE.

People in Westmeath complained about a number of issues including social welfare payments, but also about services provided by local public bodies, including Westmeath County Council and public hospitals.

The Ombudsman’s Office marks 40 years in existence in 2024. Ombudsman Ger Deering said that people should not be afraid to complain: “In most cases people’s dealings with public services go well. However, when something goes wrong we should complain. This gives the opportunity for the public body to not only rectify the individual mistake, but to help improve its overall service.”

The Ombudsman is independent of government and provides a free and impartial service for dealing with complaints about most providers of public services.

The Ombudsman can investigate your complaint once you have complained to the service provider whose action or decision has affected you.The easiest way to make a complaint to the Ombudsman is through its website: www.ombudsman.ie

You can also write to the Office of the Ombudsman at:6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773 or you can call 01 639 5600