Disciplinary action against officers and procedure for criminal offences

(1) If the Ombudsman finds, during the conduct of his investigations or on the conclusion thereof, that there is evidence of a breach of duty, or misconduct, or of a criminal offence on the part of an officer or member of any authority, he shall refer the matter to the person or body of persons competent to take such disciplinary or other proceedings as may be appropriate against that officer or member and in all such cases shall lay a special report before the National Assembly. 21 (2) Where any special report is laid before the National Assembly, the National Assembly may, in addition to any other action it may take– (a) if the report discloses the commission of a criminal offence, report the said matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions for necessary action; or (b) if the matter discloses any breach of duty or conduct that has caused damage to any person or to his property, authorise the Ombudsman, after satisfying itself that the indigent circumstances of the injured party require such assistance to be given, to appoint a solicitor to institute action on behalf of the complainant to recover damages. (3) The Ombudsman may, where he is authorised to appoint a solicitor on behalf of a complainant under sub- section (2) of this section, incur expenses by way of legal fees and stamp duties not exceeding one thousand dollars in respect of any one complaint.