12 ANNUAL REPORT 2013 But long case processing times are also a problem for us here at the Ombudsman institution. We do conclude by far the majority of cases within a reasonable time, but we must recognise that we have problems especially when it comes to complex cases, where the case processing time may easily run into several months. It has therefore been important to us to focus on optimising case processes and, more generally, to focus on speed, efficiency and optimal resource usage – of course without lowering our professional, legal, standards in any way. In 2013, we took a number of important steps in relation to these objectives. During the first six months of the year, a consultancy firm carried out a comprehensive analysis of the overall structure of the institution, our case processes and generally our work practices. This led to a large number of recommendations for, among other things, a new organisation structure, new financial and resource management procedures and new principles for operational control, case allocation and case processes. Following the analysis carried out by the consultancy firm, we continued the process by ourselves, and towards the end of the year, we made an overall decision on important changes in our practical modus operandi. We decided, among other things, to divide the institution into a legal and an administrative department, to reduce the number of divisions, to introduce new principles for operational control and to implement a comprehensive concept for management by objectives and results. The aim is not only to shorten case processing times but also to free resources so that we may, among other things, raise more owninitiative cases – and generally to set an example to the public administration also in the practical-administrative field. The practical implementation of the decisions has taken place gradually since 1 February 2014. These are comprehensive changes, and it will take time to fine-tune all aspects of our new modus operandi. But I have no doubt that the changes will mean genuine improvements of the Ombudsman institution’s results in the long run. The new Access to Public Administration Files Act One of the big legal policy issues in 2013 was the new Access to Public Administration Files Act which was passed in June 2013. In the months leading up to the passing of the Act, there was a public debate of an intensity seldom seen on issues of legal policy. The debate focused in particular on the provisions in section 24 of the Act (the so-called rule on Civil