Focal points in the federal Laender As in recent years, in investigative proceedings at the regional and municipal level, various thematic focal points predominate: Most of the complaints relate to youth welfare and social welfare. As the number of cases investigated by Ombudsman Peter Kostelka shows, the increase in complaints in this area continued unabated in 2012 (617 compared to 558 in 2011). 602 cases were in respect of problems in the areas of regional planning and building law and were therefore addressed to Ombudswoman Gertrude Brinek. Problems surrounding the execution of citizenship law were focal points of the investigative activities undertaken by Ombudswoman Terezija Stoisits Complaints relative to regional and municipal government administration - focal points 2012 % Social welfare, youth welfare 617 24.49 Regional planning and housing, building law 602 23.90 Municipal affairs 371 14.73 Citizenship, voter register, traffic police 249 9.88 Finances of the Laender, regional and municipal taxes 158 6.27 Health care systems and veterinary sector 127 5.04 Regional and municipal roads 122 4.84 Education systems, sports and cultural matters 89 3.53 Office of the Land Government, public services and compensation law for regional and municipal employees 47 1.87 Agriculture and forestry, hunting and fishing laws 45 1.79 Trade and industry; energy 44 1.75 Nature conservation and environmental protection, waste management 32 1.27 Transport and traffic on regional and municipal roads (excl. traffic police) 14 0.56 Science, research and the arts 2 0.08 2,519 100.00 TOTAL Shorter duration of investigations In the year under review, a total of 9,315 investigated cases were resolved, i.e. 11% more than in the previous year. The number of cases where maladministration was ascertained also increased from 1,041 (2011) to 1,519 (2012) and was therefore at 16.3% in 2012. On 16