The mandate of the new ombudsman is for the 2014–2019 parliamentary term. O'Reilly has been in office since October 2013, when her predecessor, Nikiforos Diamandouros from Greece, retired. O'Reilly took part in a hearing on 2 December, where she answered questions from members of the EP's petitions committee.
The task of the ombudsman is to investigate complaints about maladministration by EU institutions and bodies. Complaints can be submitted by anyone who lives in the EU or is an official citizen, as well as companies and associations with an office in the EU.
In 2013, the ombudsman's office received 2,420 complaints, while 23,245 citizens received help in the form of advice or information.
REF. : 20141208STO83020
