Overview Ombudsman Günther Kräuter is responsible for social matters as well as the care and health sector. At the federal level, his area of responsibility includes health matters, pension and accident insurances, labour market administration, as well as the family and youth sector. At the regional level, his tasks comprise the areas social and health care administration, youth welfare, matters concerning persons with disabilities, animal protection and veterinary practice. In addition to this, Mr Kräuter assumed the position of Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) in July 2013. Ombudswoman Gertrude Brinek is responsible for matters regarding the federal administration of the judiciary, the penal system, public prosecution, taxes, fees and duties as well as the authority for the protection of historical monuments. At the regional level, Ms Brinek deals with municipal administrations and all local matters, cemetery administration as well as communal or municipal public transport services. Ombudsman Peter Fichtenbauer’s area of responsibility on the federal level includes police law, the law on asylum and the law relating to aliens, national defence, agriculture, forestry and water management, natural conservation and environmental protection, trade and operating plants, nurseries, schools and universities. At the regional level Mr Fichtenbauer examines matters of traffic and agricultural and questions relating to regional and municipal taxes. The AOB employed an average of 90 employees in 2013, organisationally allocated to the three areas of responsibility of each member of the AOB, the administration or the international department. Six expert commissions set up for country-wide visits In July 2012, the AOB set up six commissions with a total of 48 part-time members to meet its constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights. They perform regular visits to places of detention and institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities across the country. The commissions further observe the behaviour of executive bodies and officers of administrative authorities authorized to issue direct orders and carry out coercive measures. By co-operating, the commissions and the AOB uphold the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). Human Rights Advisory Council as advisory body In addition to this and also since July 2012, a Human Rights Advisory Council has been acting as an advisory body to the AOB. It offers advice to the members of the AOB when setting general monitoring priorities and prior to issuing determinations of maladministration or recommendations. It can make recommendations on how to harmonise courses of action and monitoring standards. Non-governmental organisations and ministries nominated the 32 members and substitute members through equal representation. The Laender are also represented on the Advisory Council. Ms Renate Kicker, Chairperson of the Human Rights Advisory Council, and Ms Gabriele Kucsko-Stadlmayer, Deputy Chairperson* of the Human Rights Advisory Council, were appointed by the AOB. *in January 2014 Andreas HAUER succeeded Ms Kucsko-Stadlmayer as the Council‘s Deputy Chairperson 10