Publication of reports on investigations in the public interestN.I.
44—(1) This section—
(a)applies where the Ombudsman proposes to publish a report of a type referred to in section 43(1), but
(b)does not apply in respect of an investigation conducted under section 8.
(2) The Ombudsman must give notice of this proposal to the persons referred to in section 43(2).
(3) The notice must set out why the Ombudsman believes it would be in the public interest to publish the report.
(4) The Ombudsman may publish the report if, after taking account of the interests of any person aggrieved and any other person considered appropriate, the Ombudsman considers it to be in the public interest to do so.
(5) The Ombudsman may, for a reasonable fee, supply a copy of the report, or any part of it, to any person who requests it.