80 npm annual report 2016 / annex 1 Section 9 Hearing a subject If there is reason to believe that the matter may give rise to criticism as to the conduct of the subject, the Ombudsman shall reserve the subject an opportunity to be heard in the matter before it is decided. Section 10 Reprimand and opinion (1) If, in a matter within his or her remit, the Ombudsman concludes that a subject has acted unlawfully or neglected a duty, but considers that a criminal charge or disciplinary proceedings are nonetheless unwarranted in this case, the Ombudsman may issue a reprimand to the subject for future guidance. (2) If necessary, the Ombudsman may express to the subject his or her opinion concerning what consti­tutes proper observance of the law, or draw the attention of the subject to the requirements of good administration or to considerations of promoting fundamental and human rights. (3) If a decision made by the Parliamentary Ombudsman referred to in Subsection 1 contains an imputation of criminal guilt, the party having been issued with a reprimand has the right to have the decision concerning criminal guilt heard by a court of law. The demand for a court hearing shall be submitted to the Parliamentary Ombudsman in writing within 30 days of the date on which the party was notified of the reprimand. If notification of the reprimand is served in a letter sent by post, the party shall be deemed to have been notified of the reprimand on the seventh day following the dispatch of the letter unless otherwise proven. The party having been issued with a reprimand shall be informed without delay of the time and place of the court hearing, and of the fact that a decision may be given in the matter in their absence. Otherwise the provisions on court proceedings in criminal matters shall be complied with in the hearing of the matter where applicable. (22.8.2014/674) Section 11 Recommendation (1) In a matter within the Ombudsman’s remit, he or she may issue a recommendation to the competent authority that an error be redressed or a shortcoming rectified. (2) In the performance of his or her duties, the Ombudsman may draw the attention of the Government or another body responsible for legislative drafting to defects in legislation or official regulations, as well as make recommendations concerning the development of these and the elimination of the defects.