GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORK OF THE NATIONAL AGENCY 4.4 – ENQUIRIES BY INDIVIDUALS duct on the part of colleagues. This view is shared by international institutions, for instance by the CPT and the United Nations Human Rights Committee.11 In the period under review the National Agency received individual enquiries regarding 35 separate cases which all referred to facilities within the Joint Commission’s remit. Since the National Agency does not operate as an ombuds institution, it is not authorised to remedy or offer legal advice regarding individual enquiries. Reference is explicitly made to this fact in the replies sent to those submitting enquiries and on the National Agency’s website. Nevertheless, details regarding concrete incidents are of practical relevance for the work of the National Agency. They provide background information for inspection visits and can draw attention to specific problems. In addition, concrete information and tips can have an influence on which facilities the National Agency visits and on the priorities it sets as a result. Where an enquiry contains information regarding serious shortcomings, the National Agency will, with the consent of the person submitting the enquiry, contact the competent authority. Where an enquiry indicates that there is a risk of suicide or that someone is a danger to others, the National Agency will also immediately contact the head of the facility concerned. 4.3 – DRAFT LEGISLATION In the period under review the National Agency was asked to comment on draft legislation drawn up by various Länder and by the Federal Government concerning the treatment of people deprived of their liberty. Most of the draft legislation was drawn up by the Land ministries of justice, and some by the Land ministries of the interior and by the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection. The drafts concerned the execution of prison sentences, youth detention, pre-deportation detention and measures of reform and prevention. As well as submitting written comments, representatives of the National Agency also took part in hearings in the Hesse and the Saarland Land parliament. 11 CPT (2006), CPT Standards, margin no. 41; CCPR/C/DEU/CO/6, 12.11.2012, margin no. 10 18