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Are There Matters Which Cannot Be Investigated?

Yes there are! She cannot, for example, investigate

• the actions of private companies or individuals, private practitioners, dentists, opticians, pharmacists, etc.
• actions taken in connection with clinical judgement by doctors
• the "reserved functions of Local Authorities", i.e. certain functions exercised by elected representatives
• complaints relating to recruitment, pay and conditions of employment
• court decisions, matters which are already the subject of court proceedings, the actions of the Gardaí or actions taken in the running of the prisons.
• where there is a right of appeal to an independent tribunal or appeal body such as the Appeal Commissioners of Income Tax or An Bord Pleanála

There are other organisations which deal with complaints in areas where the Ombudsman cannot investigate. The main ones are listed elsewhere on this website.