The Ombudsman, Mr Kevin Murphy, has dealt with 55,000 cases from 1994 until the end of 2002, of which about 40 per cent resulted in some form of redress.
Mr Murphy yesterday published a digest of cases he has dealt with to illustrate the work his office does, and the remedies available to the public.
Mr Murphy said his role was not simply a question of examining individual complaints, and ensuring a better quality service to customers or clients.
It was also to look beyond individual complaints because they may reveal a systemic weakness within the public body in question. He might also identify a flaw in a particular piece of legislation which is causing unforeseen inequity for a citizen or class or citizens. The Oireachtas can then act on recommendations in the Ombudsman's annual report with amending legislation, or the public body concerned may change its procedures.
"It is important that the man and woman in the street becomes more aware of how my office goes about its work," he said in the introduction. "I hope it will also show those who need the services of my Office that there is a powerful resource at their disposal to assist them in their dealings with public bodies.
"This digest will also be of interest to public representatives and organisations which provide advice and support to citizens and I hope it will encourage them to bring the services of my office to the attention of members of the public who need them."
The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints about the administrative actions of Government departments, health boards, local authorities and An Post. The first Ombudsman, Mr Michael Mills, took up office in 1984, and was replaced in 1994 by Mr Murphy.