Abstract The ombudsman idea in Ireland is now almost fifty years old. This article provides a citizen perspective on several ombudsman-type institutions and services across a broad variety of fields and issues. The underlying assump -tions of ombudsman-type services are outlined, with a citizen perspective of how they work in practice. Ten illustrative case studies are provided, each followed by a short commentary. The article analyses the cross-cutting issues arising: the uneven resource field in skills, knowledge and time; the need for ‘blue sea’ between the ombudsman-type institution and state agencies; the evidence bar for complaints; and the individualisation of complaints when there are systemic issues important for public administration. Because of the asymmetry of resources between the two parties, there is a strong case for ombudsman-type institutions to provide more assistance to complainants to advance and progress their complaints, so that a more level playing field can be achieved.

中文翻译：

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监察员式服务——公民视角

摘要 爱尔兰的监察员理念现在已经有将近五十年的历史了。本文从公民的角度介绍了涉及广泛领域和问题的若干监察员型机构和服务。概述了监察员型服务的基本假设，并以公民的视角看待它们在实践中的工作方式。提供了十个说明性案例研究，每个案例都附有简短的评论。文章分析了出现的交叉问题：技能、知识和时间资源领域的不均衡；监察员型机构和国家机构之间需要“蓝海”；投诉的证据栏；当存在对公共行政很重要的系统性问题时，对投诉进行个性化处理。由于双方资源不对称，