(1)This section applies where it appears to the Commissioner that a case which he is—
(a)examining in accordance with regulations made under section 10, or
(b)considering whether to examine in accordance with such regulations,
relates to or raises a matter which could be the subject of an investigation by another ombudsman (the “connected matter”).
(2)Where the Commissioner considers it appropriate, he [F1may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner) or must (as respects another Ombudsman) ] inform the other ombudsman about the connected matter.
(3)Where the Commissioner considers that the case also relates to or raises a matter which he is entitled to examine himself (the “older people matter”), he [F2may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner) or must (as respects another Ombudsman)] also if he considers it appropriate—
(a)inform the other ombudsman about the Commissioner's proposals for the investigation of the case; and
(b)consult the other ombudsman about those proposals.
(4)Where the Commissioner and the other ombudsman consider that they are entitled to investigate, respectively, the older people matter and the connected matter they may—
(a)co-operate with each other in the separate investigation of each of those matters;
(b)act together in the investigation of those matters; and
(c)prepare and publish a joint report containing their respective conclusions in relation to the matters they have each investigated.
(5)Where the Commissioner considers—
(a)that the case is not one which relates to or raises a matter that he is entitled to examine himself, and
(b)that it is appropriate to do so,
he [F3may (as respects the Welsh Language Commissioner) or must (as respects another Ombudsman)] inform the person whose case it is, or another person interested in it that he thinks fit, about how to secure the referral of the connected matter to the other ombudsman.
(6)In this section “other ombudsman” means—
(a)the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales;
(b)the Children's Commissioner for Wales.
[F4(c)the Welsh Language Commissioner.]
(7)In this section “investigation” includes examination and inquiry, and cognate expressions are to be construed accordingly.
(8)The [F5Welsh Ministers]F5 may by order amend subsection (6) by—
(a)adding a person;
(b)omitting a person;
(c)changing the description of a person.
(9)Before making an order under subsection (8), the [F6Welsh Ministers]F6 must consult the Commissioner and any other persons [F7they think]F7 appropriate.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 17(2) substituted (7.7.2015) by Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 1), s. 156(2), Sch. 3 para. 9(a); S.I. 2015/1413, art. 3(g)
F2Words in s. 17(3) substituted (7.7.2015) by Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 1), s. 156(2), Sch. 3 para. 9(b); S.I. 2015/1413, art. 3(g)
F3Words in s. 17(5) substituted (7.7.2015) by Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 1), s. 156(2), Sch. 3 para. 9(c); S.I. 2015/1413, art. 3(g)
F4S. 17(6)(c) inserted (7.7.2015) by Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 1), s. 156(2), Sch. 3 para. 9(d); S.I. 2015/1413, art. 3(g)
F5Words in s. 17(8) substituted (the amendment coming into force immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) in accordance with art. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I. and see ss. 46, 161(5) of Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)) by The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Consequential Modifications and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1388), arts. 1(2)(3), 3, Sch. 1 para. 136(2)
F6Words in s. 17(9) substituted (the amendment coming into force immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) in accordance with art. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I. and see ss. 46, 161(5) of Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)) by The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Consequential Modifications and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1388), arts. 1(2)(3), 3, Sch. 1 para. 136(3)(a)
F7Words in s. 17(9) substituted (the amendment coming into force immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) in accordance with art. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I. and see ss. 46, 161(5) of Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32)) by The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Consequential Modifications and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1388), arts. 1(2)(3), 3, Sch. 1 para. 136(3)(b)