financial independence and operational autonomy of the NPM is guaranteed by this transparent process. In its discussions with Parliament, the NPM always advocates the continuation of its intensive monitoring activities despite general budget cuts. The number of visits and concomitant monitoring by the commissions should be ensured in future years, both with regard to quality and quantity. 1.4 Human resources 1.4.1 Personnel In order to implement the OPCAT mandate, the AOB has received 15 additional permanent positions in order to fulfil these new responsibilities. One permanent position was then eliminated due to budgetary constraints; leaving a total of 14 additional permanent positions. Employees were deployed for the following responsibilities: six jurists, five (originally six) employees in administration, two persons in the OPCAT secretariat and one person for public relations work. additional permanent positions granted The OPCAT secretariat was set up to exclusively dedicate its work to the preventive mandate of the NPM. It serves as a hub between the AOB and the six commissions and provides logistical and organizational support. It furthermore examines international reports and documents in order to support the NPM with information from similar institutions. OPCAT secretariat Additionally a total of 19 legal experts (employees of the AOB) examine the findings and observations made by the commissions during their visits. They have legal expertise in the areas relevant to the work of the NPM, such as the rights of persons with disabilities, children’s rights, social rights, police, asylum and correctional institutions. They evaluate the visit reports submitted by the commissions from a legal point of view, confront the competent authorities regarding deficits and human rights violations and prepare concrete recommendations to improve the situation in places of detention. Together with the commissions these legal experts are also in charge of drafting legislative proposals and comments on laws and regulations related to NPM matters. 1.4.2 Commissions To fulfil its responsibilities in accordance with the Act on the Six commissions Implementation of the OPCAT (OPCAT-Durchführungsgesetz), the NPM must entrust the multidisciplinary commissions it has appointed with the tasks they have to perform. If required, the regional commissions may involve experts from other specialist areas provided that members 11