with complaints. Ireland has the Insurance Ombudsman, the Ombudsman of Ireland and the credit institution Ombudsman. Mary Hannifin has proposed the introduction of an Ombudsman for Children, which has not yet been passed. A very important role of the Ombudsman is to introduce a human element into the relationship between state and its citizens.
             The Oireachtas passed legislation in 1980 to establish the office of the Ombudsman in Ireland. It was brought in to effect in 1983 and Irelands first Ombudsman Mr Michael Mill was appointed in January 1984. The role of the Ombudsman is to serve as a representative of the people. The Office of the Ombudsman aims to make its service available to the public with the minimum of red tape and bureaucracy attached. Any individual, company organisation or association is entitled to make a Complaint. "The Ombudsman act, 1980 provides for the establishment of the office of the Ombudsman and sets down the procedures and conditions governing the appointment of the Ombudsman. The act also delineates the power of the Ombudsman as regards the examination and investigation of complaints made to him. The Act also defines the Ombudsman's reporting relationship with the Dail and Seanad." (Office of the Ombudsman)
             "The Office of the Ombudsman is subject to the freedom of Information act 1997, and from the commencement of that act on the 21st April 1998 the foi act established three new statutory rights.
             A legal right for each person to access information held by public bodies.
             A legal right for each person to have official information relating to him amended where it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading.
             A legal right to obtain reasons for decisions affecting oneself." (Office of the Ombudsman)
             The President appoints the Ombudsman once it has been passed by both houses of the Oireachtas, i.e. The Dail and Seanad. He will remain in office for a period of six years. ...