President Higgins hosted a reception marking the 40th Anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman at Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers.
In his speech the President noted that in any thriving democracy, accountability is a fundamental cornerstone. By examining complaints from citizens who feel they have been unfairly treated by a public service provider in Ireland, the Office of the Ombudsman is a vital independent apparatus ensuring that government departments, local authorities, the HSE, nursing homes and publicly funded third-level education bodies strive to achieve a quality public service for all, one that is transparent as regards information it provides, as well as timely as regards its decision-making process.
