24. (1) The Ombudsman shall, not later than 6 months after the end of a financial year—

(a) prepare an annual report on the performance of the functions of the Ombudsman during that year, and

(b) submit the report to the Council.

(2) As soon as may be after receiving the annual report referred to in subsection (1), the Council shall present the report to the Minister and the Minister for Social Protection.

(3) As soon as may be after receiving the annual report referred to in subsection (1), the Minister shall cause the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

(4) An annual report shall include—

(a) information in such form and regarding such matters as the Minister may direct, and

(b) a copy of the audited accounts referred to in section 20 for the financial year concerned,

but nothing in this subsection shall be construed as requiring the Ombudsman to include information the inclusion of which would, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, be likely to prejudice the performance of his or her functions.

(5) The Ombudsman shall arrange for an annual report that has been laid before each House of the Oireachtas under subsection (3) to be published on the internet as soon as practicable after the report has been so laid.