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Number 26 of 1980
OMBUDSMAN ACT, 1980
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section | |
Powers of the Ombudsman in respect of examinations and investigations. | |
Departments of State and other persons subject to investigation
Persons not subject to investigation
Number 26 of 1980
OMBUDSMAN ACT, 1980
Definitions.
1.—(1) In this Act, save where the context otherwise requires—
“action” includes decision, failure to act and omission and cognate words shall be construed accordingly;
“civil servant” has the meaning assigned to it by the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956;
“functions” includes powers and duties and a reference to the performance of a function includes, with respect to powers, a reference to the exercise of a power;
“local authority” means a local authority for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 1941;
“the Minister” means the Minister for the Public Service.
(2) Save where the context otherwise requires, references in this Act to any Department of State include references to the Minister of the Government having charge of that Department of State and to officers of that Minister of the Government and, if and so long as any of the functions of that Minister of the Government stand delegated to a Minister of State at a Department of State, include references to that Minister of State at a Department of State.
(3) Save where the context otherwise requires, references in this Act to a person (other than a Department of State) specified in the Schedules to this Act include—
(a) as respects the business and functions of the person, references to the Department of State in which any of them are comprised and to the Minister of the Government having charge of that Department of State, and
(b) as respects functions in relation to the person performed by a Department of State, references to that Department of State and to the Minister of the Government having charge of it,
and to officers of those Ministers of the Government and members, officers and staff of the person and, if and so long as any of the functions of any of those Ministers of the Government stand delegated to a Minister of State at a Department of State, to that Minister of State at a Department of State.
Appointment and term of office of the Ombudsman.
2.—(1) There is hereby established the office of Ombudsman and the holder of the office shall be known as the Ombudsman.
(2) The appointment of a person to be the Ombudsman shall be made by the President upon resolution passed by Dáil Éireann and by Seanad Éireann recommending the appointment of the person.
(3) A person appointed to be the Ombudsman—
(a) may at his own request be relieved of office by the President,
(b) may be removed from office by the President but shall not be removed from office except for stated misbehaviour, incapacity or bankruptcy and then only upon resolutions passed by Dáil Éireann and by Seanad Éireann calling for his removal,
(c) shall in any case vacate the office on attaining the age of 67 years.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this section, a person appointed to be the Ombudsman shall hold office for a term of 6 years and may be re-appointed to the office for a second or subsequent term.
(5) (a) Where a person who holds the office of Ombudsman is nominated either as a candidate for election to either House of the Oireachtas, the European Assembly or a local authority or as a member of Seanad Éireann or is appointed as a member of the European Assembly or a local authority, he shall thereupon cease to hold the office of Ombudsman.
(b) A person who is for the time being entitled—
(i) under the Standing Orders of either House of the Oireachtas to sit therein,
(ii) under the rules of procedure of the European Assembly to sit therein, or
(iii) under the standing orders of a local authority to sit as a member thereof,
shall, while so entitled, be disqualified for holding the office of Ombudsman.
(6) A person who holds the office of Ombudsman shall not hold any other office or employment in respect of which emoluments are payable or be a member of the Reserve Defence Force.
(7) A person shall be not more than 61 years of age upon first being appointed to the office of Ombudsman.
Salary and pension.
3.—(1) There shall be paid to the holder of the office of Ombudsman the same remuneration and allowances for expenses as are paid to a judge of the High Court.
(2) (a) The Minister shall make and carry out, in accordance with its terms, a scheme or schemes for the granting of pensions, gratuities or other allowances on retirement or death to or in respect of persons who have held the office of Ombudsman.
(b) The Minister may at any time make and carry out, in accordance with its terms, a scheme or schemes amending or revoking a scheme under this section.
(c) A scheme under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if either such House, within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the scheme is laid before it, passes a resolution annulling the scheme, the scheme shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Functions of the Ombudsman.
4.—(1) The Ombudsman shall be independent in the performance of his functions.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Ombudsman may investigate any action taken by or on behalf of a Department of State or other person specified in Part I of the First Schedule to this Act (being an action taken in the performance of administrative functions) where, upon having carried out a preliminary examination of the matter, it appears to the Ombudsman—
(a) that the action has or may have adversely affected a person (other than a Department of State or other person specified in the First or Second Schedule to this Act), and
(b) that the action was or may have been—
(i) taken without proper authority,
(ii) taken on irrelevant grounds,
(iii) the result of negligence or carelessness,
(iv) based on erroneous or incomplete information,
(v) improperly discriminatory,
(vi) based on an undesirable administrative practice, or
(vii) otherwise contrary to fair or sound administration.
(3) The Ombudsman shall not investigate an action unless—
(a) a complaint has been made to him in relation to the action by a person (other than a Department of State or other person specified in the First or Second Schedule to this Act), or
(b) it appears to him, having regard to all the circumstances, that an investigation under this section into the action would be warranted.
(4) The Ombudsman shall not investigate an action taken by or on behalf of a person specified in the Second Schedule to this Act.
(5) The Ombudsman may—
(a) having carried out a preliminary examination of the matter, decide not to carry out an investigation under this Act into an action in respect of which a complaint is made, or
(b) discontinue an investigation under this Act into such an action,
if he becomes of opinion that—
(i) the complaint is trivial or vexatious,
(ii) the person making the complaint has an insufficient interest in the matter, or
(iii) the person making the complaint has not taken reasonable steps to seek redress in respect of the subject matter of the complaint or, if he has, has not been refused redress.
(6) It shall not be necessary for the Ombudsman to investigate an action under this Act if he is of opinion that the subject matter concerned has been, is being or will be sufficiently investigated in another investigation by the Ombudsman under this Act.
(7) An examination or investigation by the Ombudsman shall not affect the validity of the action investigated or any power or duty of the person who took the action to take further action with respect to any matters the subject of the examination or investigation.
(8) In determining whether to initiate, continue or discontinue an investigation under this Act, the Ombudsman shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, act in accordance with his own discretion.
(9) Nothing in subsection (2) (a) or (3) (a) of this section shall be construed as prohibiting the investigation by the Ombudsman of—
(a) an action that, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, has or may have affected any individual other than in an official capacity, or
(b) an action the subject of a complaint to him by any individual acting other than in an official capacity.
(10) (a) The Government may, after consultation with the Ombudsman, by order amend the First Schedule to this Act and the said Schedule shall have effect in accordance with the terms of any orders under this paragraph.
(b) The Minister may, with the consent of any Minister of the Government to whom are assigned functions in relation to the person the subject of the amendment, by order amend the Second Schedule to this Act and the said Schedule shall have effect in accordance with the terms of any orders under this paragraph.
(c) Where an order is proposed to be made under this subsection, a draft thereof shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and if a resolution disapproving of the draft is passed by either such House within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which it has sat after the draft is laid before it, the order shall not be made.
Exclusions.
5.—(1) The Ombudsman shall not investigate any action taken by or on behalf of a person—
(a) if the action is one in relation to which—
(i) the person affected by the action has initiated in any court civil legal proceedings and the proceedings have not been dismissed for failure to disclose a cause of action or a complaint justicable by that court whether the proceedings have been otherwise concluded or have not been concluded,
(ii) the person affected by the action has a right, conferred by or under statute (within the meaning of section 3 of the Interpretation Act, 1937), of appeal, reference or review to or before a court in the State (not being an appeal, reference or review in relation to a decision of a court), or
(iii) the person affected by the action has a right of appeal, reference or review to or before a person other than a Department of State or other person specified in Part I of the First Schedule to this Act,
(b) if the action relates to or affects national security or military activity or (in the opinion of the Ombudsman) arrangements regarding participation in organisations of states or governments,
(c) relating to recruitment or appointment to any office or employment in a Department of State or by any other person specified in the First Schedule to this Act,
(d) relating to or affecting the terms or conditions—
(i) upon and subject to which a person—
(a) holds any office, or
(b) is employed in a Department of State or by any other person mentioned in the First or Second Schedule to this Act,
(ii) of a contract for services,
(including the terms and conditions upon and subject to which pensions, gratuities or other superannuation benefits are payable to or in respect of the person or under the contract),
(e) if the action is one—
(i) taken in the administration of the law relating to aliens or naturalisation, or
(ii) involving the exercise of the right or power referred to in Article 13.6 of the Constitution or the remission of any forfeiture or disqualification imposed by a Court exercising criminal jurisdiction, or
(iii) taken in the administration of the prisons or other places for the custody of persons committed to custody by the Courts,
(f) in—
(i) a case where a complaint is made to the Ombudsman in relation to the action, if the complaint is not made before the expiration of 12 months from the time of the action or the time the person making the complaint became aware of the action, whichever is the later,
(ii) any other case, if the investigation is not commenced before the expiration of 12 months from the time of the action, or
(g) if the action is taken before the commencement of this Act;
Provided that the Ombudsman may investigate the action notwithstanding that it is one to which paragraph (a) of this subsection relates if it appears to the Ombudsman that special circumstances make it proper to do so.
Provided also that the Ombudsman may investigate the action notwithstanding that the investigation would contravene paragraph (f) of this subsection if it appears to the Ombudsman that special circumstances make it proper to do so.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, the Ombudsman may investigate insurability and entitlement to benefit under the Social Welfare Acts, 1952 to 1979.
(3) Where a Minister of the Government so requests in writing (and attaches to the request a statement in writing setting out in full the reasons for the request), the Ombudsman shall not investigate, or shall cease to investigate, an action specified in the request, being an action of—
(a) a Department of State whose functions are assigned to that Minister of the Government, or
(b) a person (other than a Department of State) mentioned in Part I of the First Schedule to this Act whose business and functions are comprised in such a Department of State or in relation to which functions are performed by that Department of State,
(whether or not all or any of the functions of that Minister of the Government stand delegated to a Minister of State at a Department of State).
Reports etc., by the Ombudsman.
6.—(1) In any case where a complaint is made to the Ombudsman in relation to an action and the Ombudsman decides not to carry out an investigation under this Act into the action or to discontinue such an investigation, he shall send to the person who made the complaint a statement in writing of his reasons for the decision and, if the decision follows the receipt by the Ombudsman of a request under section 5 (3) of this Act, a copy of the request and of the statement in writing of the reasons for the request attached to the request and he shall send to such other (if any) person as he considers appropriate such statement in writing in relation to the matter as he considers appropriate.
(2) In any case where the Ombudsman conducts an investigation under this Act, he shall send a statement in writing of the results of the investigation to—
(a) the Department of State, or other person specified in Part I of the First Schedule to this Act, concerned,
(b) the Department of State in which are comprised the business and functions of, or which performs functions in relation to, any person (other than a Department of State) specified in the said Part I to whom a statement is sent under paragraph (a) of this subsection,
(c) any other person who has or, in a case where a complaint in relation to the action the subject of the investigation has been made to the Ombudsman, is alleged in the complaint to have taken or authorised the action, and
(d) any other person to whom he considers it appropriate to send the statement.
(3) Where, following an investigation under this Act into an action, it appears to the Ombudsman that the action adversely affected a person to whom paragraph (a) of section 4 (2) of this Act applies and fell within paragraph (b) of the said section 4 (2), he may recommend to the Department of State, or other person specified in Part I of the First Schedule to this Act, concerned—
(a) that the matter in relation to which the action was taken be further considered,
(b) that measures or specified measures be taken to remedy, mitigate or alter the adverse affect of the action, or
(c) that the reasons for taking the action be given to the Ombudsman,
and, if the Ombudsman thinks fit to do so, he may request the Department of State or other person aforesaid to notify him within a specified time of its or his response to the recommendation.
(4) Where the Ombudsman carries out an investigation under this Act into an action the subject of a complaint to him, he shall notify the person who made the complaint of the result of the investigation, the recommendation (if any) made by him under subsection (3) of this section in relation to the matter and the response (if any) made to it by the Department of State or other person to whom it was given.
(5) Where it appears to the Ombudsman that the measures taken or proposed to be taken in response to a recommendation under subsection (3) of this section are not satisfactory, he may, if he so thinks fit, cause a special report on the case to be included in a report under subsection (7) of this section.
(6) The Ombudsman shall not make a finding or criticism adverse to a person in a statement, recommendation or report under subsection (1), (3) or (5) of this section without having afforded to the person an opportunity to consider the finding or criticism and to make representations in relation to it to him.
(7) The Ombudsman shall cause a report on the performance of his functions under this Act to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas annually and may from time to time cause to be laid before each such House such other reports with respect to those functions as he thinks fit. The terms of a request under section 5 (3) of this Act and of the statement in writing of the reasons for the request attached to the request shall be included in a report under this section.
(8) For the purposes of the law of defamation, any such publication as is hereinafter mentioned shall be absolutely privileged, that is to say—
(a) the publication of any matter by the Ombudsman in making a report to either House of the Oireachtas for the purpose of this Act,
(b) the publication by the Ombudsman—
(i) to a person mentioned in subsection (1) of this section of a statement sent to that person in pursuance of that subsection,
(ii) to a person mentioned in subsection (2) of this section of a statement sent to that person in pursuance of that subsection,
(iii) to a person mentioned in subsection (3) of this section of a recommendation made to that person by the Ombudsman in pursuance of that subsection,
(iv) to a person mentioned in subsection (4) of this section of a notification given to that person pursuant to that subsection.
Powers of the Ombudsman in respect of examinations and investigations.
7.—(1) (a) The Ombudsman may, for the purposes of a preliminary examination, or an investigation, by him under this Act, require any person who, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, is in possession of information, or has a document or thing in his power or control, that is relevant to the examination or investigation to furnish that information, document or thing to the Ombudsman and, where appropriate, may require the person to attend before him for that purpose and the person shall comply with the requirements.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply to information or so much of a document as relates to decisions and proceedings of the Government or of any committee of the Government and for the purposes of this paragraph, a certificate given by the Secretary to the Government and certifying that any information or document or part of a document so relates shall be conclusive.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person to whom a requirement is addressed under this section shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.
(3) A person shall not by act or ommission obstruct or hinder the Ombudsman in the performance of his functions or do any other thing which would, if the Ombudsman were a court having power to commit for contempt of court, be contempt of such court.
(4) Any obligation to maintain secrecy or other restriction upon the disclosure of information obtained by or furnished to a Department of State or civil servant imposed by the Official Secrets Act, 1963, shall not apply to an examination or investigation by the Ombudsman under this Act, and, subject to section 9 (2) of this Act, the State shall not be entitled in relation to any such examination or investigation to any such privilege in respect of the production of documents or the giving of evidence as is allowed by law in legal proceedings.
(5) The Ombudsman may, if he thinks fit, pay to the person affected by an action in respect of which an investigation is held by the Ombudsman under this Act and to any other person who attends or furnishes information for the purposes of the investigation—
(a) sums in respect of travelling and subsistence expenses properly incurred by them, and
(b) allowances by way of compensation for loss of their time,
of such amount as may be determined by the Minister.
(6) A statement or admission made by a person in a preliminary examination, or investigation, under this Act by the Ombudsman shall not be admissible as evidence against that person in any criminal proceedings.
(7) Nothing in subsection (3) of this section shall be construed as applying to the taking of any such action as is mentioned in section 4 (7) of this Act.
Conduct of investigations.
8.—(1) An investigation by the Ombudsman under this Act shall be conducted otherwise than in public.
(2) Where the Ombudsman proposes to carry out an investigation under this Act into an action he shall afford—
(a) any Department of State, or other person specified in Part I of the First Schedule to this Act, concerned, and
(b) any other person who appears or, in a case where a complaint in relation to the action has been made to the Ombudsman, is alleged, to have taken or authorised the action,
an opportunity to comment on the action and, if a complaint in relation to the action has been made to the Ombudsman, on any allegations contained in the complaint.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the procedure for conducting an investigation shall be such as the Ombudsman considers appropriate in all the circumstances of the case.
(4) The Ombudsman may determine whether any person may be represented, by counsel, solicitor or otherwise, in an investigation by him under this Act.
Secrecy of information.
9.—(1) Information or a document or thing obtained by the Ombudsman or his officers in the course of, or for the purpose of, a preliminary examination, or investigation, under this Act shall not be disclosed except for the purposes of—
(a) the examination or investigation and of any statement, report or notification to be made thereon under this Act, or
(b) any proceedings for an offence under the Official Secrets Act, 1963, alleged to have been committed in respect of information or a document or thing obtained by the Ombudsman or any of his officers by virtue of this Act,
and the Ombudsman or his officers shall not be called upon to give evidence in any proceedings (other than such proceedings as aforesaid) of matters coming to his or their knowledge in the course of a preliminary examination, or an investigation, under this Act.
(2) (a) A Minister of the Government may give notice in writing to the Ombudsman, with respect to any document, information or thing specified in the notice, or any class of document, information or thing so specified, that, in the opinion of the Minister of the Government, the disclosure (other than to the Ombudsman or officers of the Ombudsman) of that document, information or thing or of documents, or information or things of that class, would, for the reasons stated in the notice, be prejudicial to the public interest.
(b) The Revenue Commissioners may give notice in writing to the Ombudsman, with respect to any document, information or thing in their power or control specified in the notice, or any class of such document, information or thing so specified, that in the opinion of the Revenue Commissioners the disclosure (other than to the Ombudsman or officers of the Ombudsman) of that document, information or thing or of documents, information or things of that class, would, for the reasons stated in the notice, be prejudicial to the public interest.
(c) Where a notice is given under this subsection, nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorising or requiring the Ombudsman or any officer of the Ombudsman to communicate to any person or for any purpose any document, information or thing specified in the notice or any document, information or thing of a class so specified.
Staff of the Ombudsman.
10.—(1) (a) There shall be employed in the office of the Ombudsman so many officers and servants as the Minister shall from time to time determine.
(b) The power of appointing a person to be an officer or servant of the Ombudsman shall be vested in the Minister.
(2) Officers and servants of the Ombudsman shall be civil servants in the Civil Service of the State.
(3) The Ombudsman may delegate to any of his officers any of his functions under this Act save those conferred by subsections (5) and (7) of section 6 of this Act or by this section.
(4) The Minister may delegate to the Ombudsman the powers exercisable by him under the Civil Service Commissioners Act, 1956, and the Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 and 1958, as the appropriate authority in relation to officers and servants of the Ombudsman, and, if he does so, then, so long as the delegation remains in force—
(i) those powers shall, in lieu of being exercisable by the Minister, be exercisable by the Ombudsman, and
(ii) the Ombudsman shall, in lieu of the Minister, be, for the purposes of this Act, the appropriate authority in relation to officers and servants of the Ombudsman.
Expenses.
11.—Any expenses incurred in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
Short title and commencement.
12.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Ombudsman Act, 1980.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such day as may be appointed by the Government by order.
FIRST SCHEDULE
Departments of State and other persons subject to investigation
PART I
Department of the Taoiseach
Central Statistics Office
State Paper Office
Department of Finance
Office of the Paymaster General
National Savings Committee
Revenue Commissioners
Commissioners of Public Works
State Laboratory
Ordnance Survey
Commissioner of Valuation and Chief Boundary Surveyor
Stationery Office
Department of the Public Service
Civil Service Commissioners
Local Appointments Commissioners
Department of Justice
Land Registry
Registry of Deeds
Public Record Office
Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests
Department of the Environment
Department of Education
National Museum
National Library
Roinn na Gaeltachta
Department of Agriculture
Land Commission
Department of Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Labour
Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism
Companies Registration Office
Patents Office
Registrar of Friendly Societies
Department of Energy
Department of Posts and Telegraphs
Department of Defence
Department of Transport
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of Social Welfare
Appeals Officers under the Social Welfare Acts
Department of Health
PART II
The reference in Part I of this Schedule to the Revenue Commissioners does not include a reference to the Appeal Commissioners of Income Tax or their staff.
The reference in the said Part I to the Department of Justice does not include a reference to—
An Garda Síochána
the Courts, or the court officers mentioned in the Court Officers Acts 1926 to 1961, or in the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961
An Bord Uchtála
The reference in the said Part I to the Land Commission does not include a reference to—
the Judicial Commissioner and Appeals Tribunal
Lay Commissioners in the exercise of their statutory reserved functions
The reference in the said Part I to the Department of Labour does not include a reference to—
the Employment Appeals Tribunal
the Employment Equality Agency
the Labour Court
the Levy Appeals Tribunal
Rights Commissioners
the Secretariat to the Commission on Industrial Relations
the Secretariat to the Employer-Labour Conference
The reference in the said Part I to the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism does not include a reference to—
the National Prices Commission
An Coimisiún Dumpála
the Restrictive Practices Commission
the Examiner of Restrictive Practices
the Director of Consumer Affairs
The reference in the said Part I to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs does not include a reference to—
the Post Office Users' Council
the Broadcasting Complaints Commission
The reference in the said Part I to the Department of Defence does not include a reference to—
the Defence Forces
the Army Pensions Board
SECOND SCHEDULE
Persons not subject to investigation
Aer Lingus, Teoranta
Aerlinte Éireann Teoranta
Aer Rianta, Teoranta
The Agency for Personal Service Overseas
The Agricultural Credit Corporation, Limited
Arramara Teoranta
The Attorney General
An Bord Altranais
An Bord Fuinnimh Núicléigh
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara
An Bord Pleanála
An Bord Rasaíochta
Bord Fáilte Éireann
Bord Gáis Éireann
Bord na gCapall
Bord na gCon
Bord na Gaeilge
Bord na Móna
Bord na Radharcmhastóirí
British & Irish Steam Packet Company Limited
Ceimicí, Teoranta
Central Bank of Ireland
C.E.R.T., Limited
An Coláiste Náisiúnta Ealaíne is Deartha
An Chomhairle Ealaíon
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna
An Chomhairle Oiliúna (AnCO)
An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta
An Chomhairle Olla
Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, Teoranta
Coras Beostoic agus Feola
Coras Iompair Éireann
Coras Tráchtála
Cork District Milk Board
The Dental Board
The Director of Public Prosecutions
Dublin District Milk Board
Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
Electricity Supply Board
The Fire Prevention Council
An Foras Forbartha Teoranta
An Foras Talúntais
Fóir Teoranta
Hospitals Trust Board
The Industrial Credit Company, Limited
Industrial Development Authority
Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann
Institute for Industrial Research and Standards
Iontaobhas Iascaigh Intíre Ioncorportha
Irish Goods Council
Irish Life Assurance Company Limited
Irish National Petroleum Corporation Limited
The Irish National Stud Company, Limited
The Irish Productivity Centre
Irish Shipping Limited
Irish Steel Limited
Kilkenny Design Workshops Limited
Law Reform Commission
Local Government Computer Services Board
Local Government Staff Negotiations Board
Medical Bureau of Road Safety
The Medical Council
Min Fhéir (1959) Teoranta
National Board for Science and Technology
National Building Agency Limited
National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat
Poverty
National Council for Educational Awards
National Economic and Social Council
National Film Studios of Ireland Limited
National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin
National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick
National Road Safety Association
Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta
Óstlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta
Pigs and Bacon Commission
Radio Telefís Éireann
Shannon Free Airport Development Company Limited
St. Laurence's Hospital Board
Thomond College of Education, Limerick
Voluntary Health Insurance Board
An tÚdarás Um Ard-Oideachas
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Boards of Conservators established by or under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959
Bodies set up under the Health (Corporate Bodies) Act, 1961
Bodies set up under the Health Acts
Local Authorities
County Committees of Agriculture
Vocational Education Committees
Old Age Pensions Committees and Sub-Committees
Harbour Authorities scheduled to the Harbours Acts, 1946-1976
Acts Referred to | |
1956, No. 45 | |
Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 and 1958 | |
Court Officers Acts, 1926 to 1961 | |
1961, No. 39 | |
1959, No. 14 | |
Harbours Acts, 1946 to 1976 | |
Health Acts, 1947 to 1970 | |
1961, No. 27 | |
1937, No. 38 | |
1941, No. 23 | |
1963, No. 1 | |
Social Welfare Acts, 1952 to 1979 | |
Uimhir 26 de 1980
AN tACHT OMBUDSMAN, 1980
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
Mínithe.
1.—(1) San Acht seo, ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
folaíonn “gníomh” cinneadh, mainneachtain gníomhú agus faillí agus forléireofar focail ghaolmhara dá réir sin;
tá le “státseirbhíseach” an bhrí a shanntar do “stát-sheirbhíseach” le hAcht Rialuithe na Stát-Sheirbhíse, 1956;
folaíonn “feidhmeanna” cumhachtaí agus dualgais agus folaíonn tagairt do chomhlíonadh feidhme, maidir le cumhachtaí, tagairt d'fheidhmiú cumhachta;
ciallaíonn “údarás áitiúil” údarás áitiúil chun críocha an Achta Rialtais Áitiúil, 1941;
ciallaíonn “an tAire” Aire na Seirbhíse Poiblí.
(2) Ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, folaíonn tagairtí san Acht seo d'aon Roinn Stáit tagairtí don Aire Rialtais atá i bhfeighil na Roinne Stáit sin agus d'oifigigh don Aire Rialtais sin agus, i gcás a mbeidh agus fad a bheidh aon fheidhmeanna de chuid an Aire Rialtais sin tarmligthe chuig Aire Stáit ag Roinn Stáit, folaíonn siad tagairtí don Aire Stáit sin ag Roinn Stáit.
(3) Ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, folaíonn tagairtí san Acht seo do phearsa (seachas Roinn Stáit) a shonraítear sna Sceidil a ghabhann leis an Acht seo—
(a) maidir le gnó agus feidhmeanna na pearsan, tagairtí don Roinn Stáit ina gcuimsítear aon cheann acu agus don Aire Rialtais atá i bhfeighil na Roinne Stáit sin, agus
(b) maidir le feidhmeanna i ndáil leis an bpearsa a chomhlíonann Roinn Stáit, tagairtí don Roinn Stáit sin agus don Aire Rialtais atá ina feighil,
agus d'oifigigh do na hAirí Rialtais sin agus do chomhaltaí, d'oifigigh agus d'fhoireann na pearsan agus, i gcás a mbeidh agus fad a bheidh aon fheidhmeanna de chuid aon Airí Rialtais díobh sin tarmligthe chuig Aire Stáit ag Roinn Stáit, don Aire Stáit sin ag Roinn Stáit.
Ceapadh an Ombudsman agus a théarma oifige.
2.—(1) Bunaítear leis seo oifig Ombudsman agus an tOmbudsman a ghairfear de shealbhóir na hoifige.
(2) Is é an tUachtarán a dhéanfaidh duine a cheapadh le bheith ina Ombudsman tar éis do Dháil Éireann agus do Sheanad Éireann rún a rith ag moladh an duine a cheapadh.
(3) Aon duine a bheidh ceaptha le bheith ina Ombudsman—
(a) féadfaidh an tUachtarán, ar iarratas ón duine féin, é a scaoileadh ó oifig,
(b) féadfaidh an tUachtarán é a chur as oifig ach ní chuirfear as oifig é ach amháin mar gheall ar mhí-iompar sonraithe, éagumas nó féimheacht ná ansin féin ach tar éis do Dháil Éireann agus do Sheanad Éireann rúin a rith ag éileamh é a chur as oifig,
(c) éireoidh sé as an oifig ar chaoi ar bith ar 67 mbliana d'aois a shlánú dó.
(4) Faoi réir fhorálacha an ailt seo, beidh aon duine a cheapfar le bheith ina Ombudsman i seilbh oifige go ceann téarma 6 bliana agus féadfar é a athcheapadh chun na hoifige don dara téarma nó do théarma dá éis.
(5) (a) I gcás a ndéanfar duine a shealbhaíonn oifig an Ombudsman a ainmniú mar iarrthóir lena thoghadh chun ceachtar Tí den Oireachtas, chun Tionól na hEorpa nó chun údaráis áitiúil nó mar chomhalta de Sheanad Éireann nó i gcás a ndéanfar é a cheapadh mar chomhalta de Thionól na hEorpa nó d'údarás áitiúil, scoirfidh sé air sin d'oifig an Ombudsman a shealbhú.
(b) Duine a bheidh i dteideal de thuras na huaire—
(i) faoi Bhuan-Orduithe cheachtar Tí den Oireachtas suí sa Teach sin,
(ii) faoi rialacha nós imeachta Thionól na hEorpa suí sa Tionól sin, nó
(iii) faoi bhuan-orduithe údaráis áitiúil suí mar chomhalta den údarás sin.
beidh sé, fad a bheidh sé i dteideal amhlaidh, dícháilithe chun oifig an Ombudsman a shealbhú.
(6) Duine a bheidh i seilbh oifig an Ombudsman ní shealbhóidh sé aon oifig ná fostaíocht eile a mbeidh díolaíochtaí iníoctha ina leith ná ní bheidh sé ina chomhalta de na hÓglaigh Cúltaca.
(7) Ní bheidh duine os cionn 61 bliain d'aois nuair a cheapfar é den chéad uair chun oifig an Ombudsman.
Tuarastal agus pinsean.
3.—(1) Íocfar le sealbhóir oifig an Ombudsman an luach saothair céanna agus na liúntais chéanna i leith caiteachas a íoctar le breitheamh den Ard-Chúirt.
(2) (a) Déanfaidh an tAire agus cuirfidh sé i gcrích, de réir a téarmaí, scéim nó scéimeanna chun pinsin, aiscí nó liúntais eile a dheonú ar scor nó ar bhás do dhaoine a bhí i seilbh oifig an Ombudsman nó i leith na ndaoine sin.
(b) Féadfaidh an tAire tráth ar bith scéim nó scéimeanna ag leasú nó ag cúlghairm scéim faoin alt seo a dhéanamh agus a chur i gcrích de réir a téarmaí.
(c) Déanfar scéim faoin alt seo a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a déanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuifidh an Teach sin tar éis an scéim a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú na scéime, beidh an scéim ar neamhní dá réir sin, ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin scéim.
Feidhmeanna an Ombudsman.
4.—(1) Beidh an tOmbudsman neamhspleách i gcomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, féadfaidh an tOmbudsman aon ghníomh a imscrúdú a rinne Roinn Stáit nó pearsa eile a shonraítear i gCuid I den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo nó a rinneadh thar a gceann (is gníomh a rinneadh i gcomhlíonadh feidhmeanna riaracháin) i gcás a bhfeictear don Ombudsman, tar éis dó réamhscrúdú a dhéanamh ar an ábhar—
(a) go ndearna nó go mb'fhéidir go ndearna an gníomh dochar do phearsa (seachas Roinn Stáit nó pearsa eile a shonraítear sa Chéad nó sa Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo), agus
(b) maidir leis an ngníomh—
(i) go ndearnadh nó go mb'fhéidir go ndearnadh é gan údarás cuí,
(ii) go ndearnadh nó go mb'fhéidir go ndearnadh é ar fhoras neamhábhartha,
(iii) gur neamart nó neamh-aire nó go mb'fhéidir gur neamart nó neamh-aire ba chúis leis,
(iv) go raibh sé nó go mb'fhéidir go raibh sé bunaithe ar eolas earráideach nó easpach,
(v) go raibh sé nó go mb'fhéidir go raibh sé idirdhealaitheach go míchuí,
(vi) go raibh sé nó go mb'fhéidir go raibh sé bunaithe ar chleachtas riaracháin míchuibhiúil, nó
(vii) go raibh sé nó go mb'fhéidir go raibh sé thairis sin contrártha do riaradh cóir nó fónta.
(3) Ní dhéanfaidh an tOmbudsman gníomh a imscrúdú mura rud é—
(a) go ndearna pearsa (seachas Roinn Stáit nó pearsa eile a shonraítear sa Chéad nó sa Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo) gearán leis i ndáil leis an ngníomh, nó
(b) go bhfeictear dó, ag féachaint do na himthosca ar fad, gur cheart an gníomh a imscrúdú faoin alt seo.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh an tOmbudsman gníomh a imscrúdú a rinne pearsa a shonraítear sa Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo nó a rinneadh thar a cheann.
(5) Féadfaidh an tOmbudsman—
(a) tar éis dó réamhscrúdú a dhéanamh ar an ábhar a chinneadh gan imscrúdú a dhéanamh faoin Acht seo faoi ghníomh a ndearnadh gearán ina leith, nó
(b) gan leanúint d'imscrúdú faoin Acht seo faoi ghníomh den sórt sin,
má thagann sé ar an tuairim—
(i) gur gearán fánach nó cráiteach an gearán,
(ii) nach bhfuil leas sách mór san ábhar ag an bpearsa a rinne an gearán, nó
(iii) nár ghlac an phearsa a rinne an gearán bearta réasúnacha chun sásamh a lorg i leith ábhar an ghearáin nó, má ghlac, nár diúltaíodh sásamh dó.
(6) Ní gá don Ombudsman gníomh a imscrúdú faoin Acht seo más é a thuairim go ndearnadh nó go ndéanfar imscrúdú leordhóthanach, nó go bhfuil imscrúdú leordhóthanach á dhéanamh, ar an ábhar áirithe in imscrúdú eile ag an Ombudsman faoin Acht seo.
(7) Ní dhéanfaidh scrúdú ná imscrúdú ag an Ombudsman difear do bhailíocht aon ghníomh a imscrúdófar ná d'aon chumhacht ná dualgas de chuid na pearsan a rinne an gníomh aon ghníomh eile a dhéanamh maidir le haon ábhair a bheidh á scrúdú nó á n-imscrúdú.
(8) Nuair a bheidh an tOmbudsman á chinneadh an dtionscnóidh sé imscrúdú, nó an leanfaidh sé nó nach leanfaidh sé d'imscrúdú, faoin Acht seo, gníomhóidh sé, faoi réir forálacha an Achta seo, de réir a bhreithiúnais féin.
(9) Ní dhéanfar aon ní i bhfo-alt (2) (a) nó (3) (a) den alt seo a fhorléiriú mar ní a thoirmisceann imscrúdú ag an Ombudsman—
(a) faoi ghníomh a rinne difear nó a d'fhéadfadh difear a dhéanamh, i dtuairim an Ombudsman, d'aon phearsa aonair ach amháin i gcáil oifigiúil, nó
(b) faoi ghníomh is ábhar do ghearán a rinne aon phearsa aonair leis ag gníomhú dó i gcáil nach cáil oifigiúil.
(10) (a) Féadfaidh an Rialtas, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Ombudsman, an Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo a leasú le hordú agus beidh éifeacht leis an Sceideal sin de réir téarmaí aon orduithe faoin mír seo.
(b) Féadfaidh an tAire, le toiliú aon Aire Rialtais dá sanntar feidhmeanna maidir leis an bpearsa lena mbaineann an leasú, an Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo a leasú le hordú agus beidh éifeacht leis an Sceideal sin de réir téarmaí aon orduithe faoin mír seo.
(c) I gcás a mbeartófar ordú a dhéanamh faoin bhfo-alt seo, leagfar dréacht den ordú faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an dréacht a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag dícheadú an dréachta, ní dhéanfar an t-ordú.
Eisiamh.
5.—(1) Ní imscrúdóidh an tOmbudsman aon ghníomh a rinne pearsa nó a rinneadh thar ceann pearsan—
(a) más rud é i ndáil leis an ngníomh—
(i) go mbeidh an phearsa dá ndearna an gníomh difear tar éis imeachtaí dlíthiúla sibhialta a thionscnamh in aon chúirt agus nach mbeidh na himeachtaí dífe de bharr gan cúis chaingne nó gearán is inbhreithnithe ag an gcúirt sin a nochtadh cibé acu a bheidh na himeachtaí sin tugtha chun críche nó nach mbeidh,
(ii) go mbeidh ag an duine dá ndearna an gníomh difear ceart, a thugtar le reacht nó faoi reacht (de réir brí alt 3 den Acht Léiriúcháin, 1937), achomhairc, tarchuir nó athbhreithnithe chun cúirte nó os comhair cúirte sa Stát (nach achomharc, tarchur ná athbhreithniú i ndáil le cinneadh ó chúirt), nó
(iii) go mbeidh ag an duine dá ndearna an gníomh difear ceart achomhairc, tarchuir nó athbhreithnithe chun pearsan, nó os comhair pearsan, seachas Roinn Stáit nó pearsa eile a shonraítear i gCuid I den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo,
(b) má bhaineann an gníomh le slándáil náisiúnta nó le gníomhaíocht mhíleata nó (i dtuairim an Ombudsman) le socruithe maidir le stáit nó rialtais a bheith páirteach in eagraíochtaí nó má dhéanann sé difear don chéanna,
(c) a bhaineann le hearcaíocht nó le ceapadh chun aon oifige nó fostaíochta i Roinn Stáit nó ag aon phearsa eile a shonraítear sa Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo,
(d) a bhaineann leis na téarmaí nó na coinníollacha nó a dhéanann difear do na téarmaí nó do na coinníollacha—
(i) ar fúthu agus faoina réir—
(a) a shealbhaíonn duine aon oifig, nó
(b) a fhostaítear duine i Roinn Stáit nó ag aon phearsa eile a luaitear sa Chéad nó sa Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo.
(ii) i gconradh le haghaidh seirbhísí,
(lena n-áirítear na téarmaí agus na coinníollacha ar fúthu agus faoina réir is iníoctha pinsin, aiscí nó sochair aoisliúntas eile leis an duine nó ina leith nó faoin gconradh),
(e) más gníomh é—
(i) a rinneadh ag riaradh an dlí a bhaineann le heachtrannaigh nó le headóirseacht, nó
(ii) lena mbaineann ceart nó cumhacht dá dtagraítear in Airteagal 13.6 den Bhunreacht a fheidhmiú nó aon fhorghéilleadh nó dícháiliú a loghadh a d'fhorchuir Cúirt ag feidhmiú dlínse coiriúla di, nó
(iii) a rinneadh ag riaradh príosún nó áiteanna eile chun daoine a choimeád a chimigh na Cúirteanna chun a gcoimeádta.
(f) (i) i gcás gearán a dhéanamh leis an Ombudsman i ndáil leis an ngníomh, mura ndearnadh an gearán sula raibh 12 mhí caite ó thráth an ghnímh nó ón tráth a tháinig an gníomh ar umhail an duine a rinne an gearán, cibé acu is déanaí.
(ii) i gcás ar bith eile, mura mbeidh tús curtha leis an imscrúdú sula mbeidh 12 mhí caite ó thráth an ghnímh, nó
(g) más roimh thosach feidhme an Achta seo a rinneadh an gníomh;
Ar choinníoll go bhféadfaidh an tOmbudsman an gníomh a imscrúdú d'ainneoin gur gníomh é lena mbaineann mír (a) den fho-alt seo más dealraitheach don Ombudsman gur cuí sin a dhéanamh de bharr imthosca speisialta.
Ar choinníoll freisin go bhféadfaidh an tOmbudsman an gníomh a imscrúdú d'ainneoin go ndéanfadh an t-imscrúdú sárú ar mhír (f) den fho-alt seo más dealraitheach don Ombudsman gur cuí sin a dhéanamh de bharr imthosca speisialta.
(2) D'ainneoin fho-alt (1) den alt seo, féadfaidh an tOmbudsman imscrúdú a dhéanamh faoi inárachaíocht agus teideal chun sochair faoi na hAchtanna Leasa Shoisialaigh, 1952 go 1979.
(3) I gcás a n-iarrfaidh Aire Rialtais é i scríbhinn (agus go gcuirfidh sé ráiteas i scríbhinn leis an iarraidh ag leagan amach go hiomlán cé na cúiseanna atá leis an iarraidh), ní imscrúdóidh an tOmbudsman gníomh, nó scoirfidh sé de ghníomh a imscrúdú, a shonrófar san iarraidh, ar gníomh é—
(a) a rinne Roinn Stáit a bhfuil a feidhmeanna sannta chun an Aire Rialtais sin, nó
(b) a rinne pearsa (seachas Roinn Stáit) a luaitear i gCuid I den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo a bhfuil a ghnó agus a fheidhmeanna cuimsithe i Roinn Stáit den sórt sin nó a gcomhlíonann an Roinn Stáit sin feidhmeanna i ndáil leis.
(cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil feidhmeanna uile nó aon chuid d'fheidhmeanna an Aire Rialtais sin tarmligthe chun Aire Stáit ag Roinn Stáit).
Tuarascálacha, etc., ón Ombudsman.
6.—(1) In aon chás ina ndéanfar gearán leis an Ombudsman i ndáil le gníomh agus a gcinnfidh an tOmbudsman gan imscrúdú a dhéanamh faoin Acht seo faoin ngníomh nó gan leanúint d'imscrúdú den sórt sin, cuirfidh sé chuig an bpearsa a rinne an gearán ráiteas i scríbhinn i dtaobh na gcúiseanna a bhí aige leis an gcinneadh agus, más tar éis don Ombudsman iarraidh a fháil faoi alt 5 (3) den Acht seo a rinneadh an cinneadh, cóip den iarraidh agus den ráiteas i scríbhinn i dtaobh chúiseanna an iarrata i gceangal leis an iarraidh agus cuirfidh sé chuig cibé pearsa eile (más ann) is cuí leis cibé ráiteas i scríbhinn is cuí leis i ndáil leis an ábhar.
(2) In aon chás a seolfaidh an tOmbudsman imscrúdú faoin Acht seo, cuirfidh sé ráiteas i scríbhinn faoi thorthaí an imscrúdaithe—
(a) chuig an Roinn Stáit, nó chuig an bpearsa eile a shonraítear i gCuid I den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo, lena mbaineann,
(b) chuig an Roinn Stáit ina gcuimsítear gnó agus feidhmeanna aon phearsa, nó a chomhlíonann feidhmeanna i ndáil le haon phearsa (seachas Roinn Stáit), a shonraítear sa Chuid sin I a gcuirtear ráiteas chuige faoi mhír (a) den fho-alt seo,
(c) chuig aon phearsa eile a rinne nó a d'údaraigh an gníomh nó, i gcás a ndearnadh gearán leis an Ombudsman i ndáil leis an ngníomh is ábhar don imscrúdú, a líomhnaítear sa ghearán a rinne nó a d'údaraigh an gníomh, agus
(d) chuig aon duine eile a measann sé gur cuí an ráiteas a chur chuige.
(3) I gcás ar dealraitheach don Ombudsman, tar éis gníomh a imscrúdú faoin Acht seo, go ndearna an gníomh dochar do phearsa lena mbaineann mír (a) d'alt 4 (2) den Acht seo agus go raibh sé faoi réim mhír (b) den alt sin 4 (2), féadfaidh sé a mholadh don Roinn Stáit, nó don phearsa eile a shonraítear i gCuid I den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo, lena mbaineann—
(a) go ndéanfar an t-ábhar ar i ndáil leis a rinneadh an gníomh a bhreithniú tuilleadh,
(b) go ndéanfar bearta nó bearta sonraithe chun an dochar a rinne an gníomh a leigheas, a mhaolú nó a athrú, nó
(c) go ndéanfar na cúiseanna ar a ndearnadh an gníomh a thabhairt don Ombudsman,
agus féadfaidh an tOmbudsman, más cuí leis sin a dhéanamh, a iarraidh ar an Roinn Stáit nó ar an bpearsa eile a dúradh freagra ar an moladh a chur in iúl dó laistigh d'am sonraithe.
(4) I gcás a ndéanfaidh an tOmbudsman gníomh is ábhar do ghearán a rinneadh leis a imscrúdú faoin Acht seo, tabharfaidh sé fógra don phearsa a rinne an gearán á rá cén toradh a bhí ar an imscrúdú, cén moladh a rinne sé (má rinne) faoi fho-alt (3) den alt seo i ndáil leis an ábhar agus cén freagra a thug (má thug) an Roinn Stáit nó an phearsa eile dar tugadh an moladh ar an gcéanna.
(5) I gcás ar dealraitheach don Ombudsman nach bhfuil na bearta a rinneadh nó a beartaíodh a dhéanamh de bharr moladh faoi fho-alt (3) den alt seo sásúil, féadfaidh sé, más cuí leis é, a chur faoi deara go ndéanfar tuarascáil speisialta ar an gcás a chur i dtuarascáil faoi fho-alt (7) den alt seo.
(6) Ní dhéanfaidh an tOmbudsman cinneadh ná lochtú a bheidh dochrach do phearsa i ráiteas, i moladh ná i dtuarascáil faoi fho-alt (1), (3) nó (5) den alt seo gan deis a thabhairt don phearsa an cinneadh nó an lochtú a mheas agus uiríolla a dhéanamh chun an Ombudsman i ndáil leis an gcéanna.
(7) Cuirfidh an tOmbudsman faoi deara go ndéanfar tuarascáil i dtaobh chomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna faoin Acht seo a leagan in aghaidh na bliana faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas agus féadfaidh sé ó am go ham a chur faoi deara go leagfar faoi bhráid gach Tí acu sin cibé tuarascálacha eile is cuí leis maidir leis na feidhmeanna sin. Cuirfear i dtuarascáil faoin alt seo téarmaí iarraidh faoi alt 5 (3) den Acht seo agus an ráitis i scríbhinn i dtaobh chúiseanna an iarrata i gceangal leis an iarraidh.
(8) Chun críocha an dlí a bhaineann le clúmhilleadh, beidh aon fhoilsiú den sórt a luaitear anseo ina dhiaidh seo faoi phribhléid go hiomlán, is é sin le rá—
(a) an tOmbudsman d'fhoilsiú aon ábhair agus tuarascáil á thabhairt aige do cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas chun críche an Achta seo,
(b) foilsiú mar a leanas ag an Ombudsman—
(i) ráiteas a fhoilsiú chun pearsa a luaitear i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo is ráiteas a cuireadh chuig an bpearsa sin de bhun an fho-ailt sin,
(ii) ráiteas a fhoilsiú chun pearsa a luaitear i bhfo-alt (2) den alt seo is ráiteas a cuireadh chuig an bpearsa sin de bhun an fho-ailt sin.
(iii) moladh a fhoilsiú chun pearsa a luaitear i bhfo-alt (3) den alt seo is moladh a thug an tOmbudsman don phearsa sin de bhun an fho-ailt sin,
(iv) fógra a fhoilsiú chun pearsa a luaitear i bhfo-alt (4) den alt seo is fógra a tugadh don phearsa sin de bhun an fho-ailt sin.
Cumhachtaí an Ombudsman i leith scrúduithe agus imscrúduithe.
7.—(1) (a) Féadfaidh an tOmbudsman, chun críocha réamhscrúdaithe nó imscrúdaithe aige faoin Acht seo, a cheangal ar aon phearsa a bhfuil, i dtuairim an Ombudsman, eolas ina sheilbh aige, nó a bhfuil doiciméad nó ní faoina chumhacht nó faoina rialú, a bhaineann leis an scrúdú nó leis an imscrúdú an t-eolas, an doiciméad nó an ní sin a thabhairt don Ombudsman agus, i gcás ar iomchuí sin, a cheangal ar an bpearsa láithriú os a chomhair chun na críche sin agus déanfaidh an phearsa de réir na gceanglas.
(b) Ní bhaineann mír (a) den fho-alt seo le heolas ná le cibé méid de dhoiciméad a bhaineann le cinntí agus le himeachtaí de chuid an Rialtais nó de chuid aon choiste de chuid an Rialtais agus chun críocha na míre seo is deimhniú críochnaitheach deimhniú a thabharfaidh Rúnaí an Rialtais á dheimhniú go bhfuil aon eolas nó doiciméad nó cuid de dhoiciméad bainteach amhlaidh.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, beidh aon phearsa a mbeidh ceanglas dírithe chuige faoin alt seo i dteideal na ndíolúintí agus na bpribhléidí céanna a mbeadh sé ina dteideal dá mba finné os comhair na hArd-Chúirte é.
(3) Ní dhéanfaidh aon phearsa, trí ghníomh ná trí fhaillí, toirmeasc ná bac a chur ar an Ombudsman agus é ag comhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna ná ní dhéanfaidh aon phearsa aon ní eile arbh éard é, dá mba chúirt an tOmbudsman agus cumhacht aici duine a chimiú mar gheall ar dhíspeagadh cúirte, díspeagadh ar an gcúirt sin.
(4) Aon oibleagáid rúndacht a choimeád nó aon srian eile ar eolas a nochtadh a fuair Roinn Stáit nó státseirbhíseach a fhorchuirtear leis an Acht um Rúin Oifigiúla, 1963, ní bhainfidh sin le scrúdú ná le himscrúdú ag an Ombudsman faoin Acht seo, agus, faoi réir alt 9 (2) den Acht seo, ní bheidh ag an Stát, i ndáil le haon scrúdú nó imscrúdú den sórt sin, teideal chun aon phribhléide i leith doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird nó fianaise a thabhairt den sórt a cheadaítear le dlí in imeachtaí dlí.
(5) Féadfaidh an tOmbudsman, más cuí leis é, íocaíochtaí mar a leanas a íoc leis an duine dá ndearnadh difear le gníomh a bhfuil imscrúdú á dhéanamh ina leith ag an Ombudsman faon Acht seo agus d'aon phearsa eile a fhreastalóidh nó a thabharfaidh eolas chun críocha an imscrúdaithe—
(a) suimeanna i leith caiteachas taistil agus cothaithe a thabhaigh siad go cuí, agus
(b) liúntais mar chúiteamh as a gcuid ama a chailleadh,
ina mbeidh cibé méid a chinnfidh an tAire.
(6) Ní bheidh ráiteas nó admháil ó phearsa i réamhscrúdú nó in imscrúdú a dhéanfaidh an tOmbudsman faoin Acht seo inghlactha mar fhianaise i gcoinne na pearsan sin in aon imeachtaí coiriúla.
(7) Ní fhorléireofar aon ní i bhfo-alt (3) den alt seo mar ní a bhaineann le haon ghníomh a dhéanamh den sórt a luaitear in alt 4 (7) den Acht seo.
Imscrúduithe a sheoladh.
8.—(1) Is ar shlí seachas go poiblí a sheolfar imscrúdú a dhéanfaidh an tOmbudsman faoin Acht seo.
(2) I gcás a mbeartóidh an tOmbudsman imscrúdú a sheoladh faoin Acht seo faoi ghníomh tabharfaidh sé—
(a) d'aon Roinn Stáit, nó d'aon phearsa eile a shonraítear i gCuid I den Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo, lena mbaineann, agus
(b) d'aon phearsa eile ar dealraitheach nó, i gcás gearán a bheith déanta leis an Ombudsman i ndáil leis an ngníomh, a líomhnaítear, gurb é a rinne nó a d'údaraigh an gníomh,
deis trácht ar an ngníomh agus, má rinneadh gearán leis an Ombudsman i ndáil leis an ngníomh, ar aon líomhaintí sa ghearán.
(3) Faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, is é an nós imeachta le himscrúdú a sheoladh cibé nós imeachta is cuí leis an Ombudsman in imthosca uile an cháis.
(4) Féadfaidh an tOmbudsman a chinneadh an bhféadfaidh abhcóide nó aturnae nó an féidir ar shlí eile, ionadaíocht a dhéanamh d'aon phearsa in imscrúdú a dhéanfaidh sé faoin Acht seo.
Eolas a bheith faoi rún.
9.—(1) Ní dhéanfar eolas nó doiciméad nó ní a gheobhaidh an tOmbudsman nó a oifigigh i gcúrsa, nó chun críche, réamhscrúdaithe, nó imscrúdaithe, faoin Acht seo a nochtadh ach amháin—
(a) chun críocha an scrúdaithe nó an imscrúdaithe agus aon ráitis, tuarascála nó fógra a bheidh le tabhairt orthu faoin Acht seo, nó
(b) chun críocha aon imeachtaí i leith ciona faoin Acht um Rúin Oifigiúla, 1963, a líomhnaítear a rinneadh maidir le heolas nó doiciméad nó ní a fuair an tOmbudsman nó aon oifigigh dá chuid de bhua an Achta seo,
agus ní iarrfar ar an Ombudsman ná ar a oifigigh fianaise a thabhairt in aon imeachtaí (seachas cibé imeachtaí a dúradh) faoi ábhair a thiocfaidh ar a umhail nó ar a n-umhail i gcúrsa réamhscrúdaithe, nó imscrúdaithe, faoin Acht seo.
(2) (a) Féadfaidh Aire Rialtais fógra a thabhairt i scríbhinn don Ombudsman, maidir le haon doiciméad, eolas nó ní a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra nó maidir le haon aicme doiciméid, eolais nó ní a bheidh sonraithe amhlaidh, go ndéanfadh, i dtuairim an Aire Rialtais, nochtadh (seachas don Ombudsman nó d'oifigigh don Ombudsman) an doiciméid, an eolais nó an ní sin nó doiciméid nó eolais nó nithe den aicme sin dochar do leas an phobail ar na cúiseanna a bheidh luaite san fhógra.
(b) Féadfaidh na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim fógra a thabhairt i scríbhinn don Ombudsman, maidir le haon doiciméad, eolas nó ní faoina gcumhacht nó faoina rialú a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra nó maidir le haon aicme doiciméid, eolais nó ní den sórt sin a bheidh sonraithe amhlaidh, go ndéanfadh, i dtuairim na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim, nochtadh (seachas don Ombudsman nó d'oifigigh don Ombudsman) an doiciméid, an eolais nó an ní sin nó doiciméid, eolais nó nithe den aicme sin dochar do leas an phobail ar na cúiseanna a bheidh luaite san fhógra.
(c) I gcás a dtabharfar fógra faoin bhfo-alt seo, ní fhorléireofar aon ní san Acht seo mar ní a údaraíonn don Ombudsman nó d'aon oifigeach don Ombudsman nó a cheanglaíonn ar an gcéanna aon doiciméad, eolas nó ní a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra nó aon doiciméad, eolas nó ní d'aicme a bheidh sonraithe amhlaidh a thabhairt d'aon duine nó chun aon chríche.
Foireann an Ombudsman.
10.—(1) (a) Fostófar in oifig an Ombudsman cibé líon oifigeach agus seirbhíseach a chinnfidh an tAire ó am go ham.
(b) Beidh an chumhacht duine a cheapadh le bheith ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don Ombudsman dílsithe don Aire.
(2) Beidh oifigigh agus seirbhísigh don Ombudsman ina státseirbhísigh i Státseirbhís an Stáit.
(3) Féadfaidh an tOmbudsman aon fheidhmeanna dá chuid faoin Acht seo, cé is moite de na feidhmeanna a thugtar le fo-ailt (5) agus (7) d'alt 6 den Acht seo nó leis an alt seo, a tharmligean chun aon oifigigh dá chuid.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire na cumhachtaí is infheidhmithe aige faoi Acht Choimisinéirí na Stát-Sheirbhíse, 1956, agus faoi Achtanna Rialaithe na Státseirbhíse, 1956 agus 1958, mar údarás iomchuí maidir le hoifigigh agus seirbhísigh don Ombudsman a tharmligean chun an Ombudsman agus, má dhéanann sé amhlaidh, ansin, fad a fhanfaidh an tarmligean i bhfeidhm—
(i) beidh na cumhachtaí sin, in ionad iad a bheith infheidhmithe ag an Aire, infheidhmithe ag an Ombudsman, agus
(ii) is é an tOmbudsman, in ionad an Aire, an t-údarás iomchuí chun críocha an Achta seo maidir le hoifigigh agus seirbhísigh don Ombudsman.
Caiteachais.
11.—Déanfar aon chaiteachais a thabhófar ag riaradh an Achta seo a íoc, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
Gearrtheideal agus tosach feidhme.
12.—(1) Féadfar an tAcht Ombudsman, 1980, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh cibé lá a cheapfaidh an Rialtas le hordú.
AN CHÉAD SCEIDEAL
Ranna Stáit agus pearsana eile atá faoi réir a n-imscrúdaithe
CUID I
Roinn an Taoisigh
An Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh
Oifig na Stát-Pháipéar
An Roinn Airgeadais
Oifig an Phámháistir Ghinearálta
An Coiste Coigiltis Náisiúnta
Na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim
Coimisinéirí na nOibreacha Poiblí
Saotharlann an Stáit
Suirbhéireacht an Ordanáis
An Coimisinéir Luachála agus Príomh-Shuirbhéir Teorann
Oifig an tSoláthair
Roinn na Seirbhíse Poiblí
Coimisinéirí na Státseirbhíse
Na Coimisinéirí um Cheapacháin Áitiúla
An Roinn Dlí agus Cirt
Clárlann na Talún
Clárlann na nGníomhas
Oifig na dTaifead Poiblí
Coimisinéirí na dTabhartas agus na dTiomnachtaí Carthanúla
An Roinn Comhshaoil
An Roinn Oideachais
Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann
Leabharlann Náisiúnta na hÉireann
Roinn na Gaeltachta
An Roinn Talmhaíochta
Coimisiún na Talún
An Roinn Iascaigh agus Foraoiseachta
An Roinn Saothair
An Roinn Tionscail, Tráchtála agus Turasóireachta
Oifig Chlárúcháin na gCuideachtaí
Oifig na bPaitinní
Cláraitheoir na gCara-Chumann
An Roinn Fuinnimh
An Roinn Poist agus Telegrafa
An Roinn Cosanta
An Roinn Iompair
An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha
An Roinn Leasa Shóisialaigh
Oifigigh Achomhairc faoi na hAchtanna Leasa Shóisialaigh
An Roinn Sláinte
CUID II
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt i gCuid I den Sceideal seo do na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim tagairt do na Coimisinéirí Achomhairc Cánach Ioncaim ná dá bhfoireann.
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt sa Chuid sin I don Roinn Dlí agus Cirt tagairt dóibh seo a leanas—
An Garda Síochána
na Cúirteanna, nó na hoifigigh chúirte a luaitear in Achtanna na nOifigeach Cúirte, 1926 go 1961, nó in Acht na gCúirteanna (Forálacha Forlíontacha), 1961
An Bord Uchtála
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt sa Chuid sin I do Choimisiún na Talún tagairt dóibh seo a leanas—
An Coimisinéir Breithiúnais agus an Binse Achomhairc
Coimisinéirí Tuata i bhfeidhmiú a bhfeidhmeanna reachtúla forchoimeádta
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt sa Chuid sin I don Roinn Saothair tagairt dóibh seo a leanas—
An Binse Achomhairc Fostaíochta
An Ghníomhaireacht um Chomhionannas Fostaíochta
An Chúirt Oibreachais
An Binse Achomharc Tobhach
Coimisinéirí um Chearta
An Rúnaíocht don Choimisiún um Chaidreamh Tionscail
An Rúnaíocht don Chomhdháil Fostóirí/Saothraithe
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt sa Chuid sin I don Roinn Tionscail, Tráchtála agus Turasóireachta tagairt dóibh seo a leanas—
An Coimisiún Náisiúnta Praghsanna
An Coimisiún Dumpála
An Coimisiún Cleachtas Srianta
An Scrúdaitheoir Cleachtas Srianta
An Stiúrthóir Gnóthaí Tomhaltóirí
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt sa Chuid sin I don Roinn Poist agus Telegrafa tagairt dóibh seo a leanas—
Comhairle na bPost-Usáidirí
An Coimisiún um Ghearáin Chraolacháin
Ní fholaíonn an tagairt sa Chuid sin I don Roinn Cosanta tagairt dóibh seo a leanas—
Óglaigh na hÉireann
Bord na nArm-Phinsean
AN DARA SCEIDEAL
Pearsana nach bhfuil faoi réir a n-imscrúdaithe
Aer Lingus, Teoranta
Aerlínte Éireann Teoranta
Aer Rianta, Teoranta
An Ghníomhaireacht um Sheirbhís Phearsanta Thar Lear
Corparáid an Chairde Talmhaíochta, Teoranta
Arramara Teoranta
An tArd-Aighne
An Bord Altranais
An Bord Fuinnimh Núicléigh
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara
An Bord Pleanála
An Bord Rásaíochta
Bord Fáilte Éireann
Bord Gáis Éireann
Bord na gCapall
Bord na gCon
Bord na Gaeilge
Bord na Móna
Bord na Radharcmhastóirí
British & Irish Steam Packet Company Limited
Ceimicí, Teoranta
Banc Ceannais na hÉireann
An Chomhairle um Oideachas, Earcaíocht agus Oiliúint
An Coláiste Náisiúnta Ealaíne is Deartha
An Chomhairle Ealaíon
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna
An Chomhairle Oiliúna (AnCO)
An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta
An Chomhairle Olla
Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, Teoranta
An Córas Beostoic agus Feola
Córas Iompair Éireann
Córas Tráchtála
Bord Bainne Cheantar Chorcaí
Bord na bhFiaclóirí
An Stiúrthóir Ionchúiseamh Poiblí
Bord Bainne Cheantar Bhaile Átha Cliath
Institiúid Ard-Léinn Bhaile Átha Cliath
Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais
An Chomhairle do Chosc Dóiteáin
An Foras Forbartha Teoranta
An Foras Talúntais
Fóir Teoranta
Bord Iontaobhais na nOspidéal
Cuideachta an Chairde Tionscail, Teoranta
An tÚdarás Forbartha Tionscail
Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann
An Institiúid Taighde Tionscail agus Caighdeán
Iontaobhas Iascaigh Intíre Ioncorportha
Comhairle Earraí Éireann
Cuideachta Arachais Saoil na hÉireann, Teoranta
Corparáid Náisiúnta Pheitriliam na hÉireann Teoranta
Cuideachta Ghraí Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta
Airmheán Táirgiúlachta na hÉireann
Loingeas Éireann Teoranta
Cruach na hÉireann Teoranta
Ceardlanna Dearthóireachta Chill Chainnigh Teoranta
An Coimisiún um Athchóiriú an Dlí
An Bord Seirbhísí Ríomhaire Rialtais Áitiúil
An Bord Comhchaibidlí Foirne Rialtais Áitiúil
An Lia-Bhiúró Ród-Sábháilteachta
Comhairle na nDochtúirí Leighis
Min Fhéir (1959) Teoranta
An Bord Náisiúnta Eolaíochta agus Teicneolaíochta
An Ghníomhaireacht Foirgníochta Náisiúnta Teoranta
An Coiste Náisiúnta um Threoirscéimeanna do Chomhrac na Bochtaine
Comhairle Náisiúnta na gCáilíochtaí Oideachais
An Chomhairle Náisiúnta Eacnamaíoch agus Sóisialach
Stiúideonna Scannán Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta
An Foras Náisiúnta um Ard-Oideachas, Baile Átha Cliath
An Foras Náisiúnta um Ard-Oideachas, Luimneach
An Cumann Náisiúnta Slánródaíochta
Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta
Óstlanna Iompair Éireann Teoranta
An Coimisiún Muc agus Bagúin
Radio Telefís Éireann
Cuideachta Forbartha Aerfort Neamhchustam na Sionna Teoranta
Bord Ospidéil Lorcáin Naofa
Coláiste Oideachais Thuamhumhan, Luimneach
An Bord Arachais Sláinte Shaorálaigh
An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Boird Choimeádaithe a bunaíodh leis an Acht Iascaigh (Comhdhlúthú), 1959 nó faoin Acht sin
Comhlachtaí a cuireadh ar bun faoin Acht Sláinte (Comhlachtaí Corpraithe), 1961
Comhlachtaí a cuireadh ar bun faoi na hAchtanna Sláinte
Údaráis Áitiúla
Coistí Talmhaíochta Contae
Coistí Gairmoideachais
Coistí agus Fochoistí Pinsean Seanaoise
Údaráis Chuain sna sceidil a ghabhann leis na hAchtanna Cuanta, 1946-1976
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
Achtanna Rialaithe na Státseirbhíse, 1956 agus 1958 | |
Achtanna na nOifigeach Cúirte, 1926 go 1961 | |
Na hAchtanna Cuanta, 1946 go 1976 | |
Na hAchtanna Sláinte, 1947 go 1970 | |
Na hAchtanna Leasa Shóisialaigh, 1952 go 1979 | |