(i) to have full and unrestricted access to all records, reports, audits, reviews, documents, papers, recommendations or other material available to the department of social services and local social services districts relating to programs and operations with respect to which the inspector has responsibilities under this section;

(ii) to make such investigations relating to the administration of the programs and operations of the department of social services as are, in the judgment of the inspector, necessary or desirable; and

(iii) to request such information, assistance and cooperation from any federal, state or local governmental department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency or unit thereof as may be necessary for carrying out the duties and responsibilities enjoined upon him by this section. State and local agencies or units thereof are hereby authorized and directed to provide such information, assistance and cooperation. b. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rule or regulation to the contrary, no person shall prevent, seek to prevent, interfere with, obstruct or otherwise hinder any investigation being conducted pursuant to this section. Section one hundred thirty-six of the social services law shall in no way be construed to restrict any person or governmental body from cooperating and assisting the inspector or his employees in carrying out their duties under this section. Any violation of this paragraph shall constitute cause for suspension or removal from office or employment. 5. Establishment period. The governor shall nominate the initial inspector as soon as is practicable but in no event later than sixty days after the effective date of this section. 6. Reports required of the inspector. The inspector shall, no later than February first of each year submit to the governor, the state comptroller, the attorney general and the legislature a report summarizing the activities of the office during the preceding calendar year. 7. Disclosure of information. a. The inspector shall not publicly disclose information which is:

(i) a part of any ongoing investigation; or

(ii) specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other provision of law. b. Notwithstanding paragraph a of this subdivision, any report under this section may be disclosed to the public in a form which includes information with respect to a part of an ongoing criminal investigation if such information has been included in a public record.