Hearings and submissions

When deemed necessary, committees of the Eduskunta invite the Ombudsman or a Deputy-Ombudsman to a formal hearing as an expert on questions of legislative drafting.

Referendaries from the Office of the Ombudsman can also be summoned as experts by the committees. The fundamental and human rights perspective is usually highlighted at these hearings.

Of the eleven hearings that took place in 2010, five were by the Constitutional Law Commitee, three by the Legal Affairs Committee and one by Administration Committee, Defence Committee and Employment and Equality Committee. Three hearings were by the ministries.

Human rights perspective highlighted in submissions

In the submissions the Ombudsman outlines stances on various reports or sets forth proposals concerning new legislation or amendments to existing laws.

Through submissions, the Ombudsman also mediates the fundamental and human rights perspective into the legislative drafting process.