Comprised of between three and five members, the Commission for Standards in Public Life (CSPL) is an independent oversight body established by s.117 of the Constitution. The CSPL has an overall function to promote and monitor “the highest standards of integrity and competence in public life in order to ensure the prevention of corruption or conflicts of interest”. As such, it is entrusted with the specific responsibility for developing and maintaining up-to-date registers of interest for those employed in public life. In addition to this the CSPL acts as a watchdog, responds to citizens’ concerns, and promotes public trust in public servants and elected members through the exercise of its functions.
The Ombudsman is an independent office established under the Ombudsman Law, 2017 which began serving the public on 13 September 2017. The Ombudsman can help with resolving complaints about Government decisions and unfair treatment by Government, investigating complaints about police misconduct, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring information rights and Government transparency through monitoring compliance with the FOI Law. This office, among other things, combines and replaces the Information Commissioner's Office and the Office of the Complaints Commissioner. Individuals denied access to freedom of information requests, or who believe their information request was mishandled, may appeal the matter to the Ombudsman.
The Portfolio of the Civil Service (PCS) works with our partners on capabilities that enhance Human Resources, Management practices and performance in the Public Service, through provision of high quality policy advice, guidance and support, monitoring and reporting, and training and development services.