In 1,217 cases, the complaint fell within the AOB's area of responsibility, but there was no reason to initiate an investigative proceeding. In these cases, complainants were supplied with additional information, including legal information. 1,177 cases were outside the scope of the AOB’s mandate but the AOB endeavoured to provide information and advice: It contacted the relevant authorities and identified possible approaches for a potential solution for the complainants. In 647 instances, the complaint was withdrawn. Information outside of the mandate Under the Austrian Federal Constitution, the AOB can initiate investigative proceedings ex officio if it has concrete suspicions regarding maladministration. As was the case in the previous years, the members of the AOB made use of this right, initiating 54 ex officio investigative proceedings (2010: 70) 54 ex officio investigative proceedings Citizen-friendly communication Communication with the Public • • • • • • 276 consultation days 7,933 people contacted the AOB personally or by phone 15,911 people wrote to the AOB 27,682 documents comprised the AOB's correspondence 11,715 letters & e-mails were sent to government authorities 66,000 hits were registered on the AOB website Citizens evidently welcome the fact that the AOB is easily accessible and reachable in person, by phone or in writing. The AOB’s correspondence with people who suspected a case of maladministration rose compared to the previous year by 10 percent, comprising more than 27,682 items of written correspondence. About 11,715 letters and e-mails were exchanged with government authorities at the federal, Land and municipal level. Easily reachable Traditionally, the AOB’s consultation days in the federal Laender are very popular. People have the opportunity to speak to a member of the AOB personally about their matter of concern. 276 con- Increase in number of consultation days 21