The precise grounds on which an ombudsman can act vary within the Network, but normally include: violation of rights, including human and fundamental rights; other unlawful behaviour, including failure to respect general principles of law; and failure to act in accordance with principles of good administration.
Bíonn éagsúlacht ann sa Líonra maidir leis na forais inar féidir le haon ombudsman gníomhú ach, de ghnáth, áirítear na nithe seo a leanas leo: sárú ar chearta, lena n-áirítear cearta an duine agus cearta bunúsacha; aon iompraíocht neamhdhleathach eile, lena n-áirítear gan prionsabail ghinearálta dlí a urramú; agus neamhghníomhú de réir phrionsabail deariaracháin.