Before you start the complaint form
We examine complaints relating to public services in Ireland such as those from government
departments, local authorities and the HSE. We also examine complaints about private nursing
homes.
We do not examine complaints about banks, insurance companies, internet providers,
airline travel, private companies, consumer issues or An Garda Siochána. To contact the relevant complaint
handler see this list.
- Before you contact us you should first try to resolve your complaint with the relevant service
provider. If you
are unhappy with the outcome, then you can complain to us. See our advice on How To Complain To a Public Service Provider
- We cannot look into a complaint if it is made more than 12 months after you initially complained
of the action
or you became aware of that action, unless there are very special circumstances.
- If your complaint is in relation to the Disability Act please follow the steps on how to
Make a complaint under the Disability Act.
What you will need to complete the form
Before completing this form please check that:
- The Ombudsman can examine a complaint about the service provider. Check our
list of service providers or contact us to check.
- You have complained to the service provider and allowed it six weeks to respond.
- You have received a final response to your complaint. (You may complain to us if there is a long
delay in the provider
replying to you).
- You have used the service provider’s appeals process (if they have one).
- If more than 12 months has passed since the action or decision that affected you happened there is
a good reason
for the delay in contacting us.
If you would like to send your complaint by post, download our complaint form here.
The Ombudsman fully respects your right to privacy. For information about what we do with personal
data see our Privacy Notice.