The Office of the Ombudsman came into being in April 1999 with the appointment of Mr Henry Pinna as Gibraltar's first Public Services Ombudsman. His appointment was ratified unanimously by the House of Assembly. The appointment and its ratification were free from any controversial political debate and this helped tremendously in its acceptance by the general public.
Perhaps it is significant and of interest to point out that at the 1987 ceremony marking the commencement of the legal year, the then leader of the Bar, the late Mr. Samuel Benady QC spoke on a matter of importance affecting the rights of the individual. Mr. Benady pointed out that Gibraltar lacked the machinery to protect the individual against any act of maladministration by a government department. He explained how other jurisdictions had already established the office of the Ombudsman and proposed that the time had come for the appointment of such an Ombudsman here in Gibraltar to act on behalf of the community. Mr. Benady stated:
"The appointment of an Ombudsman would be a further assurance that those elected cannot, once in office, renege on their obligation to see justice done on behalf of every individual."
Twelve years had to elapse before Mr. Benady's proposal materialised and the office was established. This came about after the Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD), in thier electoral manifesto, had pledged that if elected they would create such an authority.
Current and past Ombudsmen:
1999-2002 |
Henry Pinna |
|---|---|
2003- |
Mario M Hook |
Organisation stucture of the office
The organisation structure of the office has remained practically the same with just only a few changes over the years. The most signifant change being the inclusion of an office manager/lawyer in the ombudsman's stucture that would provide legal advice without the need for the Ombudsman to seek legal advice elsewhere and also be in charge of the office in the Ombudsman's absence.
Organisation structure of the office
We provide a service to the public by undertaking independent investigations into complaints that government departments and agencies in Gibraltar, have not acted properly or fairly or have provided a poor service. Our role is to:
1. Make our service available to all members of the public.
2. Be open, fair, transparent.
3. Take complaints and investigate them impartially and provide recommendations when applicable.
4. Promote awareness and improvement in the Public Services.
Public Services Ombudsman ordinance
The Public Services Ombudsman ordinance 1998 makes provision for the appointment of an Ombudsman for the investigation of administrative action taken by or on behalf of the Government of Gibraltar and providers of certain services to the general public, to regulate the functions thereof, and for purposes connected therewith. To view the ordinance please click on the link below and you will be re-directed to the Gibraltar Laws webpage, specifically to the above-captioned ordinance.
http://www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/articles/1998-48o.pdf