ICELAND

Althing Ombudsman

In 1997 the Parliament of Iceland adopted Act No. 85/1997 on the Althing Ombudsman that set out the organization and the activities of the institution. According to its provisions the Ombudsman is elected by the Parliament of Iceland (the Althing) for a period of four years and he may be released from his duties if two thirds of the members of the Althing vote to dismiss him.

The Ombudsman is to fulfill the conditions provided by law as to fitness to hold the office of Supreme Court Justice. He may hold no paid employment on behalf of public administrative bodies, or in private enterprises, except with the consent of the Speaker of the Althing.

The role of the Althing Ombudsman is to safeguard the rights of the citizens and to monitor the administration of the State and local authorities. The Ombudsman's jurisdiction does not extend to the proceedings of the Althing and to the proceedings of the courts of law. The Ombudsman may take up a case following a complaint or upon his own initiative. A complaint to the Ombudsman must be in writing and must state the name and address of the complainant. The Ombudsman may summon officials of State and local administration for hearings on matters within his jurisdiction. The Ombudsman has free access to all premises of the authorities in order to carry out investigations. He cannot demand information concerning state security or such foreign affairs that should be kept secret, except with the permission of the relevant cabinet minister.

The Ombudsman reports annually to the Althing on his work during the preceding calendar year. The printed report is published before September 1 each year.

Contact information:
Althing Ombudsman
Address: Alftamyri 7, 150 Reykjavik
Phone: (354) 510 6700
Fax: (354) 510 6710
Call Toll Free: (354) 800 6450
E-mail: postur@umb.althingi.is
Web site: http://www.umbodsmaduralthingis.is