(1) Within the scope of the authority conferred on the Ombudsman under section 12(1), the Deputy Ombudsman may perform any of the functions conferred on the Ombudsman by this Act or any other enactment.

(2) Any act done or omitted to be done by the Deputy Ombudsman in accordance with subsection (1) is deemed to have been done or omitted to have been done by the Ombudsman.

(3) The Deputy Ombudsman shall, subject to this Act, be independent in the performance of the functions under subsection (1), except that he or she shall -

(a) comply with directions given by the Ombudsman under section 12(9), and

(b) regularly keep the Ombudsman informed about the performance of his or her functions generally.