The Ombudsman (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

Purposes of investigation

12.  The purposes of the investigation by the Ombudsman shall be—

(a) to ascertain if the matters alleged in the complaint—

(i) may properly warrant investigation by him under this Order;

(ii) are, in substance, true; and

(iii) disclose any maladministration by or on behalf of the department or authority concerned; and

(b) where it appears to the Ombudsman to be desirable—

(i) to effect a settlement of the matter complained of; or

(ii) if that is not possible, to state what action should in his opinion be taken by the department or authority concerned to effect a fair settlement of that matter or by that department or authority or by the person aggrieved to remove, or have removed, the cause of complaint.