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Ombudsman and Ombudsman for Children sign Memorandum of Understanding
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Last updated on
On Thursday 24 July 2025 Ombudsman, Ger Deering, and Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further their shared commitment towards working together as effectively as possible in the public interest.
The role of both Ombudsman Offices is to investigate complaints from the public about public services, obtain redress where appropriate and use the outcomes of investigations to improve public administration. The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints about the actions of public bodies affecting adults, while the Ombudsman for Children deals with complaints affecting children (those under 18 years of age).
There can be situations in which an action of a public body adversely affects both a child and an adult. The MoU builds on the existing engagement between both Offices and provides a formal basis for cooperation to address and deal with such instances appropriately.
Welcoming the signing of the MoU, Ombudsman Ger Deering said:
“We want to ensure the easiest and quickest access for people raising concerns about public services. The MoU strengthens existing arrangements between our two Offices, helping to quickly redirect complaints to the most suitable body in the specific circumstances concerned, and ultimately contributing to the delivery of better and fairer public services for all.”
Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon said:
“An effective MoU between the Ombudsman’s Office and the Ombudsman for Children’s Office helps us to make sure that nobody falls between the cracks. This MoU ensures that we direct the right people to the right service when they need it. We will continue to build on the positive relationship between both offices.”
24 July 2025