APPENDIX C: STATISTICS APPENDIX C: STATISTICS This appendix includes a detailed explanation of the key figures related to the cases processed by the office. The Ombudsman statistics are intended to reflect some important ­characteristics of the cases processed – but also to say something about the utilisation of the institution’s resources. The presentation is based on some general distinctions. First of all, the statistics and the Director General’s overview on pp. 15-20 provide information about new cases at the office and the cases which have been processed by the office. The figures for concluded cases relate to cases concluded in 2010 – irrespective of when they were opened – while the figures for new cases relate to cases opened in 2010 – irrespective of whether they were concluded in 2010 or later. The figures are therefore not necessarily identical. In addition, a distinction is made between different types of cases: complaint cases, inspection cases and cases initiated by the Ombudsman on his own ­initiative (own-initiative cases), cases where the complainant or others request access to documents, cases connected with international cooperation etc. The various case types are included in the statistics to varying degrees. However, the figures for the cases concluded and the information in the Director General’s article about the number of new cases only relate to the first three types of cases. Finally, a distinction is made between cases which the Ombudsman ­concludes with a statement about the issue(s) raised in the case – referred to as ­substantively investigated cases – and cases which are rejected for various reasons. In general, a substantive investigation is carried out on the basis of a consultation where the authorities have the opportunity to make a ­statement to the ­Ombudsman about the content of the complaint. In particularly ­obvious cases where the Ombudsman does not express criticism or make ­recommendations, he may also choose to consider the complaint without prior consultation. Certain cases must be rejected – for the time being or finally. For instance, the Ombudsman is not permitted to consider complaints concerning matters that may be appealed to another administrative authority until that authority has made a decision (section 14 of the Ombudsman Act). Complaints submitted to the Ombudsman before any appeal options available have been exhausted therefore cannot be processed and have to be rejected – at least for the time ­being, until the relevant appeal authorities may have processed the complaint. 63