The ombudsman deals with complaints against providers of public services including Departments of State, local authorities, the HSE, publicly funded third-level education bodies, nursing homes and direct provision accommodation centres.
The 2012 Act 2012 approximately 200 additional public bodies under the scrutiny of the Ombudsman.
[12] The Act also designated the Ombudsman as Director (Chief Executive) of the Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
In the 2012 Annual Report, the Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly argued strongly for constitutional status to be conferred on the Office of the Ombudsman, with a constitutional guarantee of independence from the Government, similar to that enjoyed by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
[14] There are other ombudsmen established in Ireland relating to particular sectors: All these offices are statutory and their holders are public servants.