Report on the Performance of Activities of the National Preventive Mechanism for 2015 5.3. Capacities of the Office of the Ombudswoman for the performance of tasks of the NPM In 2015, two new employees were employed in the Department for Persons Deprived of Liberty and the NPM, so in addition to the Deputy Ombudsman who manages the department, there are now seven persons who perform the tasks of the NPM and handle complaints. At the same time, there were two trainees admitted at the department for the purpose of one-year professional training without entering into an employment relationship. The State Budget for 2015 provided HRK 131,000 for a special activity under the budget of the Office of the Ombudswoman, which was dedicated to the performance of tasks of the NPM. This amount pertains to material costs of performing the activities of the NPM and does not include expenses for employees. The Proposal of the State Budget for 2016 foresees HRK 138,781 for the performance of tasks of the NPM. Although new employments, amendments to the Act on the NPM and planned increase of funding contribute to the efficiency of performance of tasks of the NPM, according to CAT recommendations it is still required to strengthen human and material resources of the Office for Performance of Tasks of the NPM, especially when taking into consideration potential new mandates, for example supervision of forced returns. 34