Outreach Services
In 2010 the Office initiated a review of our outreach programme with the focus on the optimum deployment of resources and value for money. A key aim of the review was to increase the capacity of the programme in bringing our service to members of the public in an effective, efficient and accessible manner. The review was very successful in achieving this aim. The Office had increases in visitors and valid complaints in 2010 over 2009, in both CICs and regional visits.
The Ombudsman Link Service is a project which allows members of the public easier access to the services of the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman Link Service enables people to call into certain Citizens Information Centres (CICs) at any time to make a complaint to the Ombudsman.
Staff from the Office of the Ombudsman have been visiting Citizens Information Centres (C.I.C) since the early 1990's to take complaints from members of the public. The first CIC to offer monthly Ombudsman services was Cork in 1992. Monthly CIC visits to Limerick and Galway commenced in 1993 and 1996 respectively. The monthly visits to Cork, Limerick and Galway continue to be as popular as ever with the residents of those areas.
Regional Visits
Staff of the Office of the Ombudsman will be visiting Athlone on Wednesday, 21st November 2012.
The Adult Education and Training Exhibition is organised by the Cork Adult Education Council and is held every year in Cork City. Staff from the Office participate in this very busy and successful three-day event, which primarily affords those attending an opportunity to receive advice and details on a range of adult education matters. Ombudsman staff maintain an information stand for the duration of the exhibition and are available to offer advice and assistance on the services of the Office to interested members of the public.