The Ombudsman exercises oversight to ensure that public authorities and officials observe the law and fulfil their du­ties in the discharge of their functions.

There are also two Deputy-Ombudsmen, who act independently and with the same authority as the Ombudsman. In addition to authorities and officials, the scope of oversight includes also other parties performing public functions.

The aim is to ensure good administration and the observance of constitutional and human rights.

From the 1st of January 2010 the Parliamentary Ombudsman is Mr. Petri JÄÄSKELÄINEN, Doctor of Laws, LL.M.

The Deputy-Ombudsman is Mr. Jussi PAJUOJA, Doctor of Laws. The post of the second Deputy-Ombudsman is open.

Licentiate of Laws Mrs. Riitta-Leena PAUNIO acts as a substitute for the second Deputy-Ombudsman until the post is filled.

The Ombudsman and the Deputy-Ombudsmen are elected for four-year terms, which may be renewed, by the Eduskunta, the parliament of Finland.

The Ombudsman provides the Eduskunta with an annual report on activities and observations in the preceding year.